Apparatuses, systems, and methods for sample capture and extraction

ABSTRACT

Methods, apparatuses, and systems associated with aerosol collection devices (such as, but not limited to, breath-aerosol collector devices, breathalyzers) are provided. An example aerosol collection device includes a sample transfer adapter configured to receive a sample and a device body connected to the sample transfer adapter. In some examples, the device body defines a flow channel that guides the sample to a filter component, and the filter component contains a buffer solution.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to and benefit of U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 63/198,609 (filed Oct. 29, 2020), andU.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/154,476 (filed on Feb. 26,2021), the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference intothe present application.

BACKGROUND

Existing methods, apparatuses, and systems for collecting aerosols areplagued by challenges and limitations.

For example, shelf life, efficiency and/or accuracy of these devices maybe limited due to various factors such as, but not limited to,structural limitations, contamination risks, and/or the like.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In accordance with various examples of the present disclosure, variousexample methods, apparatuses, and systems (such as, but not limited to,an aerosol collection device) for sample capturing and extraction areprovided.

In some embodiments, an aerosol collection device is provided. In someembodiments, the aerosol collection device comprises a sample transferadapter configured to receive a sample; and a device body connected tothe sample transfer adapter, wherein the device body defines a flowchannel guiding the sample to a filter component, wherein the filtercomponent contains a buffer solution.

In some embodiments, the device body comprises a vessel component havinga sample distribution annulus element. In some embodiments, the buffersolution is contained in at least one of a first side of the filtercomponent adjacent to the sample distribution annulus element or asecond side of the filter component opposite to the first side.

In some embodiments, the sample transfer adapter is a sampling tunnel.

In some embodiments, the sample transfer adapter is a mask component.

In some embodiments, the aerosol collection device further comprises anextraction cartridge.

In some embodiments, the device body comprises a sample liquidextraction outlet. In some embodiments, the extraction cartridgecomprises one or more puncturing elements configured to at leastpartially extend into the sample liquid extraction outlet.

In some embodiments, the device body comprises: a vessel componentcomprising at least one capsule extraction body element; at least onecapsule component positioned on a top surface of the at least onecapsule extraction body element; and an upper plunger componentpositioned on a top surface of the at least one capsule component.

In some embodiments, the at least one capsule component stores thebuffer solution.

In some embodiments, each of the at least one capsule componentcomprises a holder element and a cap element. In some embodiments, thebuffer solution is hermetically sealed in the holder element by the capelement.

In some embodiments, the at least one capsule extraction body elementcomprises a protrusion positioned on the top surface of the at least onecapsule extraction body element. In some embodiments, the cap element ispositioned on top of the protrusion.

In some embodiments, the vessel component comprises at least twovertical ridge elements disposed on an inner lateral surface of thevessel component. In some embodiments, at least a portion of each of theat least one capsule component is positioned between the at least twovertical ridge elements.

In some embodiments, in response to receiving a vertically downwardforce exerted on a top surface of the upper plunger component, the upperplunger component is configured to transfer the vertically downwardforce to the at least one capsule component and causing a verticalmovement of the at least one capsule component.

In some embodiments, the vertical movement of the at least one capsulecomponent causes the at least one capsule extraction body element tobreak the cap element of each of the at least one capsule component.

In some embodiments, subsequent to the cap element being broken, thebuffer solution flows on the filter component.

In some embodiments, the vessel component further comprises: a sampledistribution annulus element comprising a plurality of holes, and avalve support annulus element disposed within the sample distributionannulus element.

In some embodiments, the at least one capsule extraction body element ispositioned radially outward from the sample distribution annuluselement.

In some embodiments, the aerosol collection device further comprises: atube component secured to the sample distribution annulus element; and avalve component supported by the valve support annulus element.

In some embodiments, the filter component is inserted between the sampledistribution annulus element and the at least one capsule extractionbody element. In some embodiments, the aerosol collection device furthercomprises a lower plunger component positioned on a top surface of thefilter component.

In some embodiments, the lower plunger component comprises a pluralityof plunger support wings. In some embodiments, each of the plurality ofplunger support wings is positioned between two capsule components.

In some embodiments, the upper plunger component is configured totranslate from a first configuration to a second configuration by arotational force. In some embodiments, in the first configuration, abottom surface of the upper plunger component is in contact with a topsurface of each of the at least one capsule component. In someembodiments, in the second configuration, the bottom surface of theupper plunger component is in contact with a top surface of each of theplurality of plunger support wings.

In some embodiments, a vessel component having an inner bottom surfaceand an inner lateral surface is provided. In some embodiments, thevessel component comprises a sample distribution annulus elementpositioned on the inner bottom surface of the vessel component; a valvesupport annulus element positioned within the sample distributionannulus element; at least one filter support body element positioned onthe inner bottom surface of the vessel component and radially outwardfrom the sample distribution annulus element; and at least one capsuleextraction body element positioned on the inner bottom surface of thevessel component and radially outward from the sample distributionannulus element.

In some embodiments, the at least one capsule extraction body element ispositioned between the inner bottom surface of the vessel component andthe inner lateral surface of the vessel component.

In some embodiments, the at least one filter support body element ispositioned between the inner bottom surface of the vessel component andthe inner lateral surface of the vessel component.

In some embodiments, each of the at least one capsule extraction bodyelement is positioned between two filter support body elements.

In some embodiments, the valve support annulus element comprises aplurality of supporting beams.

In some embodiments, the vessel component further comprises at least onehorizontal ridge element disposed on the inner lateral surface of thevessel component and at least one vertical ridge element disposed on theinner lateral surface of the vessel component.

In some embodiments, the at least one horizontal ridge element and theat least one vertical ridge element are connected and in anperpendicular arrangement.

In some embodiments, the at least one vertical ridge element comprisesat least one vertical lock ridge element and at least one vertical stopridge element.

In some embodiments, a tube component comprises a pipe element and avent bluff annulus element. In some embodiments, the pipe element has atop portion and a bottom portion. In some embodiments, the top portionis connected to the bottom portion, forming at least a portion of a flowchannel for receiving a sample. In some embodiments, the vent bluffannulus element surrounds the top portion of the pipe element.

In some embodiments, the vent bluff annulus element has at least oneopening on a lateral surface of the vent bluff annulus element.

In some embodiments, a lower plunger component comprises a plungerannulus element having an outer lateral surface and at least one plungersupport wing disposed on the outer lateral surface. In some embodiments,the at least one plunger support wing comprises a bottom portion and alateral portion.

In some embodiments, the bottom portion of the at least one plungersupport wing is in a perpendicular arrangement with the lateral portionof the at least one plunger support wing.

In some embodiments, the plunger annulus element comprises at least oneplunger leg component. In some embodiments, the at least one plunger legcomponent extends inward to a central axis of the plunger annuluselement and is in a perpendicular arrangement with an inner lateralsurface of the plunger annulus element.

In some embodiments, a upper plunger component comprises a plunger bodyelement and a plunger head element secured to the plunger body element.

In some embodiments, the plunger body element further comprises: acentral annulus portion; an intermedial annulus portion; and at leastone leg portion. In some embodiments, the central annulus portion ispositioned within the intermedial annulus portion. In some embodiments,at least one leg portion is connected to the intermedial annulus portionand positioned radically outwards from the intermedial annulus portion.

In some embodiments, a first end of the central annulus portion ispartially connected to a first end of the intermedial annulus portion,forming at least a portion of at least one vent channel between thecentral annulus portion and the intermedial annulus portion.

In some embodiments, a first end of the at least one leg portion isconnected to the first end of the intermedial annulus portion, formingat least a portion of an annulus groove on a top surface of the plungerbody element.

In some embodiments, a lateral surface of the plunger body elementdefines an o-ring groove.

In some embodiments, the plunger head element comprises an annulustongue extending from a bottom surface of the plunger head element.

In some embodiments, the plunger head element defines a central bore andone or more apertures positioned radially outward from the central bore.

In some embodiments, a method for assembling an aerosol collectiondevice comprises: providing a vessel component comprising at least avalve support annulus element and a sample distribution annulus element;inserting a filter component between the sample distribution annuluselement and at least one of a filter support body element or a capsuleextraction body element of the vessel component; positioning a valvecomponent on the valve support annulus element; securing a tubecomponent to the sample distribution annulus element; positioning atleast one capsule component on a top surface of the capsule extractionbody element; positioning a lower plunger component on a top surface ofthe filter component; and securing a upper plunger component on a topsurface of the at least one capsule component.

In some embodiments, the valve support annulus element comprises aplurality of supporting beams. In some embodiments, the valve componentis supported by the plurality of supporting beams.

In some embodiments, the valve component is positioned between theplurality of supporting beams of the valve support annulus element andan inner surface of a middle portion of a pipe element of the tubecomponent.

In some embodiments, the tube component is secured to the sampledistribution annulus element through a slide interference fit.

In some embodiments, the at least one capsule component is securedbetween at least two vertical ridge elements of the vessel component.

In some embodiments, the upper plunger component is secured to an innerlateral surface of the vessel component through an o-ring.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises securing a capcomponent on the upper plunger component.

In some embodiments, an aerosol collection device comprises a vesselcomponent comprising: a sample distribution annulus element, a valvesupport annulus element within the sample distribution annulus element,and/or at least one capsule extraction body element positioned radiallyoutward from the sample distribution annulus element. In someembodiments, an aerosol collection device comprises a valve componentsupported by the valve support annulus element; a tube component securedto the sample distribution annulus element; at least one capsulecomponent positioned on a top surface of the at least one capsuleextraction body element; and/or an upper plunger component positioned ona top surface of the at least one capsule component.

In some embodiments, the aerosol collection device comprises a filtercomponent inserted between the sample distribution annulus element andthe at least one capsule extraction body element; and a lower plungercomponent positioned on a top surface of the filter component. In someembodiments, the sample distribution annulus element comprises aplurality of holes.

In some embodiments, the aerosol collection device comprises a capcomponent secured to the upper plunger component.

In some embodiments, a method for operating an aerosol collection devicecomprises removing a cap component of the aerosol collection device froman upper plunger component of the aerosol collection device; connectinga sample transfer adapter to a flow channel defined by the upper plungercomponent and a tube component; and causing sample flow into the aerosolcollection device through the flow channel, so that the sample is incontact with a buffer solution within the aerosol collection device.

In some embodiments, the aerosol collection device comprises at leastone capsule component storing buffer solution. In some embodiments,connecting the sample transfer adapter to the flow channel causes arelease of the buffer solution from at least one capsule component to afilter component within the aerosol collection device.

In some embodiments, the upper plunger component is positioned on a topsurface of the at least one capsule component.

In some embodiments, the method comprises exerting a rotational force onthe upper plunger component, causing the upper plunger component totranslate from a first configuration to a second configuration. In someembodiments, in the first configuration, a bottom surface of the upperplunger component is in contact with a top surface of the at least onecapsule component, and in the second configuration, the bottom surfaceof the upper plunger component is in contact with a top surface of alower plunger component. In some embodiments, the method comprisesexerting a vertically downward force on a top surface of the upperplunger component when the upper plunger component is in the secondconfiguration, causing the lower plunger component to press on thefilter component.

In some embodiments, the method comprises connecting a sample extractiondevice to the aerosol collection device to extract the buffer solution.

In some embodiments, the sample transfer adapter comprises a samplingchannel configured to deliver the sample to a sample inlet of the devicebody.

In some embodiments, the sample transfer adapter further comprises anattachment element configured to connect the sample transfer adapter tothe device body. In some embodiments, the attachment element defines atleast a portion of the sampling channel.

In some embodiments, the sample transfer adapter further comprises oneor more adapter ventilation elements defining at least a portion of adispense flow path to facilitate delivery of a dispensed sample emittedfrom the device body to an ambient environment.

In some embodiments, the sample transfer adapter is a sampling tunnel.

In some embodiments, the sample transfer adapter is a mask component.

In some embodiments, the sample transfer adapter is at least one of asampling tunnel or a mask component.

In some embodiments, the mask component comprises one or more facialinterface elements configured to engage at least a portion of a face ofa user.

In some embodiments, the sample transfer adapter is configured to engageone or more surfaces of the device body so as to provide an at leastsubstantially air-tight seal around a sample exhaust outlet of thedevice body.

In some embodiments, the sample transfer adapter comprises a samplinghood component comprising a hood interior cavity configured to receivethe sample from the device body via the sample exhaust outlet.

In some embodiments, the sampling hood component further comprises asampling hood outlet fluidly connected to the hood interior cavity anddefining a dispense flow path so as to facilitate a dispense of thesample from the hood interior cavity to a downstream environment fluidlyconnected to the sampling hood outlet.

In some embodiments, a sample transfer adapter comprises: a sampletransfer adapter inlet configured to receive a sample. In someembodiments, the sample transfer adapter is configured for attachment toan aerosol collection device body comprising a filter component disposedtherein for filtering the sample.

In some embodiments, the sample transfer adapter further comprises asampling channel configured to deliver the sample to a sample inlet ofthe aerosol collection device body.

In some embodiments, the sample transfer adapter further comprises anattachment element configured to connect the sample transfer adapter tothe aerosol collection device body. In some embodiments, the attachmentelement defines at least a portion of the sampling channel.

In some embodiments, the sample transfer adapter further comprises oneor more adapter ventilation elements defining at least a portion of adispense flow path to facilitate delivery of a dispensed sample emittedfrom the aerosol collection device body to an ambient environment.

In some embodiments, the mask component comprises one or more facialinterface elements configured to engage at least a portion of a face ofa user.

In some embodiments, the sample transfer adapter is further configuredto engage one or more surfaces of the aerosol collection device body soas to provide an at least substantially air-tight seal around a sampleexhaust outlet of the aerosol collection device body.

In some embodiments, the sample transfer adapter further comprises asampling hood component comprising a hood interior cavity configured toreceive a dispensed sample emitted from the aerosol collection devicebody via the sample exhaust outlet.

In some embodiments, the sampling hood component further comprises asampling hood outlet fluidly connected to the hood interior cavity anddefining a dispense flow path to facilitate delivery of the dispensedsample from the hood interior cavity to a downstream environment fluidlyconnected to the sampling hood outlet.

In some embodiments, an aerosol collection device comprises a capsuleextraction body element, and at least one capsule component storingbuffer solution and positioned on the capsule extraction body element.

In some embodiments, each of the at least one capsule componentcomprises a holder element and a cap element. In some embodiments, thebuffer solution is hermetically sealed in the holder element by the capelement.

In some embodiments, the cap element is attached to the holder elementthrough a chemical adhesive.

In some embodiments, the aerosol collection device comprises a vesselcomponent having an inner lateral surface.

In some embodiments, the vessel component comprises at least twovertical ridge elements disposed on the inner lateral surface. In someembodiments, at least a portion of each of the at least one capsulecomponent is positioned between the at least two vertical ridgeelements.

In some embodiments, the vessel component comprises at least onehorizontal ridge element disposed on the inner lateral surface of theaerosol collection device. In some embodiments, at least a top surfaceof each of the at least one capsule component is on a same plane as atop surface of the at least one horizontal ridge element.

In some embodiments, the aerosol collection device further comprises afirst capsule component storing a first buffer solution and a secondcapsule component storing a second buffer solution.

In some embodiments, the first buffer solution is the same as the secondbuffer solution.

In some embodiments, the first buffer solution is different from thesecond buffer solution.

In some embodiments, the aerosol collection device further comprises afirst capsule component, a second capsule component, and a third capsulecomponent.

In some embodiments, the capsule extraction body element comprises aprotrusion positioned on a top surface of the capsule extraction bodyelement. In some embodiments, a cap element of the capsule component ispositioned on top of the protrusion.

In some embodiments, an air gap is formed between the top surface of thecapsule extraction body element and the cap element.

In some embodiments, an aerosol collection device comprises at least onecapsule component storing buffer solution; and an upper plungercomponent in contact with a top surface of the at least one capsulecomponent.

In some embodiments, each of the at least one capsule componentcomprises: a holder element defining a cavity having an opening on abottom surface of a corresponding capsule component and storing thebuffer solution, and a cap element hermetically sealing the opening ofthe holder element.

In some embodiments, the upper plunger component is in contact with atop surface of the holder element. In some embodiments, at least aportion of the cap element is in contact with a capsule extraction bodyelement.

In some embodiments, in response to receiving a vertically downwardforce exerted on a top surface of the upper plunger component, the upperplunger component is configured to transfer the vertically downwardforce to the at least one capsule component and causing a verticalmovement of the at least one capsule component.

In some embodiments, the vertical movement of the at least one capsulecomponent causes the capsule extraction body element to break the capelement of each of the at least one capsule component.

In some embodiments, subsequent to the cap element being broken, thebuffer solution flows on the capsule extraction body element.

In some embodiments, a filter component is positioned adjacent to thecapsule extraction body element. In some embodiments, subsequent to thecap element being broken, the buffer solution flows to the filtercomponent.

In some embodiments, a method for operating an aerosol collection devicecomprises exerting a vertically downward force on a top surface of anupper plunger to cause a release of buffer solution from within at leastone capsule component to a filter component; and providing a sample tothe filter component.

In some embodiments, an aerosol collection device comprises: an upperplunger component comprising a central annulus portion and anintermedial annulus portion. In some embodiments, the central annulusportion is disposed within the intermedial annulus portion, forming agap between the central annulus portion and the intermedial annulusportion. In some embodiments, an aerosol collection device comprises: atube component comprising a vent bluff annulus element. In someembodiments, at least a portion of the central annulus portion ispositioned within and in contact with the vent bluff annulus element.

In some embodiments, the upper plunger component comprises a plungerhead element defining a central bore. In some embodiments, the tubecomponent comprises a pipe element connected to the central bore andforming a portion of a flow channel for receiving sample.

In some embodiments, the central annulus portion and the intermedialannulus portion define a portion of a vent channel for discharging asample.

In some embodiments, an aerosol collection device comprises: a lowerplunger component comprising a plurality of plunger support wings; andan upper plunger component configured to translate from a firstconfiguration to a second configuration by a rotational force. In someembodiments, each of the plurality of plunger support wings ispositioned between two of a plurality of capsule components. In someembodiments, in the first configuration, a bottom surface of the upperplunger component is in contact with a top surface of each of theplurality of capsule components, and in the second configuration, thebottom surface of the upper plunger component is in contact with a topsurface of each of the plurality of plunger support wings.

In some embodiments, the upper plunger component comprises at least oneleg portion. In some embodiments, in the first configuration, a bottomsurface of the at least one leg portion is in contact with the topsurface of each of the plurality of capsule components, and in thesecond configuration, the bottom surface of the at least one leg portionis in contact with the top surface of each of the plurality of plungersupport wings.

In some embodiments, the lower plunger component and the upper plungercomponent are housed within a vessel component having at least onevertical lock ridge element and at least one vertical stop ridge elementdisposed on an inner lateral surface of the vessel component.

In some embodiments, the rotational force causes at least a portion ofthe at least one leg portion to rotate past the at least one verticallock ridge element and stop at the at least one vertical stop ridgeelement.

In some embodiments, an aerosol collection device comprises a lowerplunger component and an upper plunger component. In some embodiments, abottom surface of the lower plunger component is in contact with afilter component. In some embodiments, an upper plunger component is incontact with a top surface of the lower plunger component.

In some embodiments, in response receiving a vertical force exerted on atop surface of the upper plunger component, the upper plunger componentis configured to transfer the vertical force to the lower plungercomponent and causing a vertical movement of the lower plunger componentwhen the lower plunger component is in the second configuration.

In some embodiments, the vertical movement of the lower plungercomponent causes the filter component to be squeezed.

In some embodiments, a method for operating an aerosol collection devicecomprises exerting a rotational force on an upper plunger component,causing the upper plunger component to translate from a firstconfiguration to a second configuration. In some embodiments, in thefirst configuration, a bottom surface of the upper plunger component isin contact with a top surface of each of a plurality of capsulecomponents, and in the second configuration, the bottom surface of theupper plunger component is in contact with a top surface of each of aplurality of plunger support wings of a lower plunger component. In someembodiments, the method for operating the aerosol collection devicefurther comprises exerting a vertical force on a top surface of theupper plunger component.

In some embodiments, an aerosol collection device comprises a devicebody configured to receive a sample. In some embodiments, the devicebody comprises a filter component disposed within the interior devicebody portion for filtering the sample and a sample distribution annuluselement fluidly connected to the filter component. In some embodiments,the sample distribution annulus element is configured to receive thesample and deliver at least a portion of the sample to one or moreportions of the filter component.

In some embodiments, the sample distribution annulus element comprisesone or more sample distribution elements configured to facilitatedistribution of the sample throughout filter component.

In some embodiments, each of the one or more sample distributionelements is configured to distribute at least a portion of the sample toa respective filter portion of a plurality of distributed filterportions defined throughout the filter component.

In some embodiments, the filter component comprises an at leastsubstantially cylindrical configuration defined at least in part by asubstantially cylindrical interior filter. In some embodiments, thesample distribution annulus element comprises a sample distributionannulus element sidewall, and the device body is configured such that anouter surface of the sample distribution annulus element is positionedat least substantially adjacent the interior filter surface.

In some embodiments, the one or more sample distribution elementscomprise a plurality of orifices extending through a sample distributionannulus element sidewall of the sample distribution annulus element,each of the plurality of orifices defining a fluid connection betweenthe sample distribution annulus element and the filter component.

In some embodiments, the plurality of orifices is configured tofacilitate an at least substantially uniform annular distribution of thesample from the sample distribution annulus element to the interiorfilter surface.

In some embodiments, the filter component is configured to receive thesample and capture an aerosol from the sample within the filtercomponent.

In some embodiments, filter component is wetted by a buffer solution.

In some embodiments, the buffer solution is configured to cause thecaptured aerosol disposed within the filter component to be retainedinto an at least partially liquid state.

In some embodiments, the filter component is configured to allow avolume of air defined by an aerosol-removed portion of the samplereceived by the filter component to flow in an upward direction along alength of the filter component to an upper boundary of the filtercomponent.

In some embodiments, the filter component is further configured to allowthe volume of air defined by the aerosol-removed portion of the sampleto emerge from the upper boundary of the filter component and into abreathalyzer chamber positioned above the filter component andconfigured to receive the volume of air.

In some embodiments, an aerosol collection device comprises a devicebody configured to receive a sample. In some embodiments, the devicebody comprising a housing comprising one or more exterior surfaces anddefining an interior device body portion therein; a filter componentdisposed within the interior device body portion for filtering thesample; and an observation orifice configured so as to define a line ofsight to at least a portion of the filter component. In someembodiments, the line of sight extending through at least a portion ofthe one or more exterior surfaces of the housing.

In some embodiments, the aerosol collection device further comprises atleast one transparent element configured to cover a surface area of theobservation orifice.

In some embodiments, the at least one transparent element embodies amagnifying element configured to visually magnify the at least a portionof the filter component positioned within the line of sight.

In some embodiments, the aerosol collection device further comprises aplurality of observation orifices.

In some embodiments, each of the plurality of observation orifices isconfigured so as to define a respective line of sight to a respectivebreathalyzer component disposed within the internal device body portion,each respective line of sight extending through a respective portion ofthe one or more exterior surfaces of the housing.

In some embodiments, each of the plurality of observation orifices isconfigured so as to define a respective line of sight to a respectiveportion of the filter component, each respective line of sight extendingthrough a respective portion of the one or more exterior surfaces of thehousing.

In some embodiments, the at least a portion of the filter componentwithin the line of sight is positioned at least substantially adjacentto the observation orifice.

In some embodiments, an aerosol collection device comprises a devicebody configured to receive a sample and an extraction cartridgeconfigured to extract a volume of sample liquid from within the devicebody. In some embodiments, the device body comprises a filter componentdisposed within the device body for capturing the sample. In someembodiments, the device body provides a volume of sample liquid therein.

In some embodiments, the volume of sample liquid comprises a buffersolution and an aerosol.

In some embodiments, the device body further comprises a sample liquidextraction outlet comprising an opening extending through a bottomsurface of the device body along a central axis of the device body.

In some embodiments, the extraction cartridge comprises one or moreattachment means configured for attaching the extraction cartridge tothe sample liquid extraction outlet.

In some embodiments, the device body comprises a groove componentdisposed on a bottom surface of the device body.

In some embodiments, the groove component is configured to fluidlyisolate the sample liquid extraction outlet from the volume of sampleliquid within the device body.

In some embodiments, the extraction cartridge comprises one or moreattachment means configured for attaching the extraction cartridge tothe sample liquid extraction outlet.

In some embodiments, the extraction cartridge further comprises one ormore puncturing means configured for puncturing the groove component ofthe device body upon an attachment of the extraction cartridge to thesample liquid extraction outlet.

In some embodiments, the extraction cartridge comprises an extractionplunger disposed within a cylindrical cartridge body of the extractioncartridge.

In some embodiments, the extraction cartridge is configured to extractthe volume of sample liquid from within the device body based at leastin part on a pressure differential generated by the extraction plunger.

In some embodiments, the extraction plunger is configured to generatethe pressure differential based at least in part on a displacement alonga central axis of the cylindrical cartridge body.

In some embodiments, a method of extracting a sample liquid from anaerosol collection device comprises providing a sample liquid within adevice body; and extracting the sample liquid from the device bodythrough a sample liquid extraction outlet comprising an openingextending through a bottom surface of the device body.

In some embodiments, the method comprises attaching an extractioncartridge to the sample liquid extraction outlet via one or moreattachment means defined at least in part by the extraction cartridge.

In some embodiments, attaching the extraction cartridge to the sampleliquid extraction outlet comprises puncturing a groove componentdisposed about a bottom surface of the device body upon an attachment ofthe extraction cartridge to the sample liquid extraction outlet.

In some embodiments, puncturing the groove component disposed about thebottom surface of the device body generates a fluid communication pathbetween the device body and the extraction cartridge attached thereto.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises generating a pressuredifferential between the device body and an extraction cartridge that isconnected to the sample liquid extraction outlet. In some embodiments,the sample liquid is extracted from within the device body by theextraction cartridge based at least in part on the generated pressuredifferential.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises receiving the sampleliquid extracted from the device body at an extraction cartridgeconnected to the sample liquid extraction outlet; determining that theextraction cartridge has received the maximum volume of sample liquidthat can be received by the extraction cartridge; generating an alertsignal indicating that the extraction cartridge has reached the sampleliquid volumetric capacity. In some embodiments, the extractioncartridge is defined at least in part by a sample liquid volumetriccapacity corresponding to a maximum volume of sample liquid that can bereceived by the extraction cartridge.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises disconnecting theextraction cartridge from the sample liquid extraction outlet of thedevice.

The foregoing illustrative summary, as well as other exemplaryobjectives and/or advantages of the disclosure, and the manner in whichthe same are accomplished, are further explained in the followingdetailed description and its accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description of the illustrative examples may be read in conjunctionwith the accompanying figures. It will be appreciated that, forsimplicity and clarity of illustration, components and elementsillustrated in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale,unless described otherwise. For example, the dimensions of some of thecomponents or elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements,unless described otherwise. Examples incorporating teachings of thepresent disclosure are shown and described with respect to the figurespresented herein, in which:

FIG. 1A illustrates an example view of an example aerosol collectiondevice in accordance with various examples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 1B illustrates an example view of an example aerosol collectiondevice in accordance with various examples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 1C illustrates an example view of an example aerosol collectiondevice in accordance with various examples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2A, FIG. 2B, FIG. 2C, and FIG. 2D, illustrate example views of anexample vessel component in accordance with examples of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B illustrate example views of an example tubecomponent in accordance with examples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B illustrate example views of an example lower plungercomponent in accordance with examples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5A, FIG. 5B, FIG. 5C, FIG. 5D, FIG. 5E, FIG. 5F, and FIG. 5G eachillustrates an example view of at least a portion of an example upperplunger component in accordance with examples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6A, FIG. 6B, FIG. 6C, FIG. 6D, FIG. 6E, FIG. 6F, FIG. 6G, FIG. 6H,FIG. 6I, and FIG. 6J illustrate an example method for assembling anexample aerosol collection device in accordance with examples of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 7A, FIG. 7B, FIG. 7C, FIG. 7D, and FIG. 7E illustrate an examplemethod for operating an example aerosol collection device in accordancewith examples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 illustrates an example view of an example aerosol collectiondevice in accordance with various examples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 illustrates an example view of an example sample transfer adapterin accordance with various examples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 illustrates an example view of an example sample transferadapter in accordance with various examples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 illustrates an example view of an example sample transferadapter in accordance with various examples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B illustrate example views of an example sampletransfer adapter connected to an example device body in accordance withvarious examples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13A and FIG. 13B illustrate example views of an example sampletransfer adapter in accordance with various examples of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 14A and FIG. 14B illustrate example views of an example sampletransfer adapter in accordance with various examples of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 15A, FIG. 15B, FIG. 15C, and FIG. 15D illustrate example views ofan example capsule component in accordance with various examples of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 16 illustrates an example view of at least a portion of an examplecapsule extraction body element in accordance with example embodimentsof the present disclosure;

FIG. 17A and FIG. 17B illustrate example views of at least a portion ofan example capsule component and an example capsule extraction bodyelement in accordance with example embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 18A and FIG. 18B each illustrates an example view of at least aportion of an example capsule component and/or a portion of an exampleupper plunger component in accordance with example embodiments of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 19 illustrates an example view of an example aerosol collectiondevice in accordance with examples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 20 illustrates an example view of an example aerosol collectiondevice in accordance with examples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 21 illustrates an example view of at least a portion of an exampleupper plunger component and at least a portion of an example capsulecomponent in accordance with examples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 22 illustrates an example view of example ridge elements disposedon an inner lateral surface of an example vessel component in accordancewith examples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 23 illustrates an example view of an example portion of an exampleaerosol collection device in accordance with examples of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 24 illustrates an example view of an example portion of an exampleaerosol collection device in accordance with examples of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 25 illustrates an example view of an example tube component and anexample upper plunger component in accordance with examples of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 26A, FIG. 26B, and FIG. 26C each illustrates an example view of atleast a portion of an example aerosol collection device in accordancewith examples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 27A and FIG. 27B each illustrates an example view of an exampleupper plunger component in accordance with examples of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 28 illustrates an example view of an example tube component and anexample upper plunger component in accordance with examples of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 29A and FIG. 29B each illustrates an example view of at least aportion of an example aerosol collection device in accordance withexamples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 30 illustrates an example cross-sectional view of an exampleaerosol collection device in accordance with various examples of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 31A and FIG. 31B illustrate example views of at least a portion ofan example aerosol collection device in accordance with various examplesof the present disclosure;

FIG. 32A, FIG. 32B, and FIG. 32C illustrate example views of at least aportion of an example aerosol collection device in accordance withvarious examples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 33A to FIG. 33B illustrate example views of at least a portion ofan example aerosol collection device in accordance with various examplesof the present disclosure;

FIG. 34A to FIG. 34B illustrate example views of an example extractioncartridge in accordance with various examples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 35 illustrates an example extraction cartridge in accordance withvarious examples of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 36 illustrates an example extraction cartridge and an exampledevice body in accordance with various examples of the presentdisclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Some examples of the present disclosure will now be described more fullyhereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some,but not all examples of the disclosure are shown. Indeed, thesedisclosures may be embodied in many different forms and should not beconstrued as limited to the examples set forth herein; rather, theseexamples are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicablelegal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

The phrases “in one example,” “according to one example,” “in someexamples,” and the like generally mean that the particular feature,structure, or characteristic following the phrase may be included in atleast one example of the present disclosure and may be included in morethan one example of the present disclosure (importantly, such phrases donot necessarily refer to the same example).

If the specification states a component or feature “may,” “can,”“could,” “should,” “would,” “preferably,” “possibly,” “typically,”“optionally,” “for example,” “as an example,” “in some examples,”“often,” or “might” (or other such language) be included or have acharacteristic, that specific component or feature is not required to beincluded or to have the characteristic. Such component or feature may beoptionally included in some examples, or it may be excluded.

The word “example” or “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as anexample, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described hereinas “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred oradvantageous over other implementations.

Sampling and capturing of biological aerosol particles can be animportant subject in both research and commercial endeavors. This mayinclude the detection of contagion within the sampled aerosol toaccurately and quickly detect contagions. Many, if not all, upperrespiratory illnesses will result in some of the disease-causingpathogens to be in the exhaled aerosols from a patient while the patientis contagious. Examples of pathogen particles include, but not limitedto, bacteria, viruses, and mold/fungal spores.

However, many aerosol samplers are not applicable for direct sampling ofexhaled breath. For example, many aerosol samplers may require largepressure drop, pumps, electrostatic fields, among other items, which mayinhibit the free breathing of the patient or otherwise dilute theexhaled aerosols with large amounts of ambient air. In addition,processes associated with these aerosol samplers tend to damage thepathogens within the aerosols, which may adversely impact the ability todetect the collected pathogens.

In accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure, anaerosol collection device for capturing pathogen particle(s) fromaerosols in the exhaled breath is provided. In some embodiments, theaerosol collection device may comprise one or more hermetically sealedcapsule components that may store a liquid solution, including, but notlimited to, a buffer solution. For example, the sealed capsulecomponents may store a buffer solution in the form of an aqueoussolution that can resist pH change when an acidic or a base (forexample, from a sample) is added to the buffer solution. For example, abuffer solution may comprise a mixture of weak acid and its conjugatebase, or vice versa. In some embodiments, a buffer solution may providea medium for preserving bioaerosols.

In some embodiments, the buffer solution can contain positive andnegative control molecules, including, but not limited to, positive andnegative control proteins. In some embodiments, the positive andnegative control molecules may be selected based on the need forsubsequent diagnostic.

While the description herein uses buffer solution as an example forliquid solution, it is noted that the scope of the present disclosure isnot limited to the buffer solution. In some examples, variousembodiments of the present disclosure may use other types of liquidsolution in addition to or in alternative of a buffer solution.

In some embodiments, the aerosol collection device may feature asequence of mechanical features to increase the fidelity of the samplecapture. In some embodiments, the aerosol collection device mayimplement an immersed bubbler mechanism that includes a flow channelguiding exhaled breath to a buffer solution that is absorbed by a filtercomponent for collecting aerosols from the exhaled breath, where one ormore bubbles are formed in the buffer solution and aerosols from exhaledbreath are captured by the filter component and/or buffer solution,details of which are described herein.

As such, an example aerosol collection device in accordance with exampleembodiments of the present disclosure may address various technicalchallenges associated with many aerosol samplers and sampling methods toprovide for accurate and quick subsequent detections of contagions froma sample (such as breath). For example, an example aerosol collectiondevice may provide an effective means for capturing aerosols in asample, which can be further provided to downstream diagnostics forpathogen detection. Additionally, or alternatively, an example aerosolcollection device may provide low pressure drop for user comfort andeliminate the need for a pump.

Referring now to FIG. 1A, FIG. 1B, and FIG. 1C, an example aerosolcollection device 100 in accordance with example embodiments of thepresent disclosure is illustrated.

Referring now to FIG. 1A, an example view of the example aerosolcollection device 100 is illustrated. In the example shown in FIG. 1A,the example aerosol collection device 100 may comprise a sample transferadapter 115 and a device body 126 (including an upper plunger component107).

In some embodiments, the sample transfer adapter 115 may be in the formof a tubular structure that may provide a sampling tunnel. For example,the sample transfer adapter 115 may comprise a hollow portion in thecenter that allows air to pass. In some embodiments, the sample transferadapter 115 may be embodied such as, but not limited to, a breathingstraw. Additional embodiments of the sample transfer adapter 115 aredescribed herein. Sample (for example, breath from a user) may beadministered into the example aerosol collection device 100 via thesample transfer adapter 115. In some embodiments, the sample maycomprise air and aerosol(s) (which may contain pathogen particles).

While the description above provides an example of the sample transferadapter 115, it is noted that the scope of the present disclosure is notlimited to the description above. In some examples, the sample transferadapter 115 may be embodied such as, but not limited to, mask and/orother device(s). Additional details of example embodiments areillustrated and described herein, including but not limited to, thosedescribed in connection with at least FIG. 8 to FIG. 14B.

In some embodiments, the sample transfer adapter 115 may be attached tothe upper plunger component 107 and/or the device body 126 via variousmeans, including but not limited to, mechanical means (for example, thesample transfer adapter 115 may be screwed into device body 126),chemical means (such as chemical glues), and/or the like.

Referring now to FIG. 1B, a portion of an example cross-sectional viewof the example aerosol collection device 100 is illustrated.

In the example shown in FIG. 1B, the upper plunger component 107 maydefine an orifice 111 positioned along the central axis of the upperplunger component 107. In some embodiments, the orifice 111 may allowfor a sample (such as, but not limited to, breath from a user) to passinto the example aerosol collection device 100. For example, a user mayexhale into the sample transfer adapter 115, and the breath (alsoreferred to as the sample) may pass through the sample transfer adapter115 and the orifice 111, and received by the example aerosol collectiondevice 100.

In some embodiments, the sample may pass down a central passageway 117Athat is connected to a central passageway 117B and to a bottom portionof the example aerosol collection device 100. In some embodiments, thecentral passageway 117A and the central passageway 117B define at leastpart of a flow channel, details of which are described herein. In someembodiments, the example aerosol collection device 100 may comprise avalve component 118 disposed along the central passageway 117B. Thevalve component 118 may prevent sample from being extracted out of theexample aerosol collection device 100 through the central passageway117A and the central passageway 117B. For example, when a useraccidentally sucks air from the example aerosol collection device 100through the sample transfer adapter 115, the valve component 118 mayprevent the user from sucking a buffer solution from the example aerosolcollection device 100 (details of which are described herein).

Referring back to FIG. 1B, subsequent to passing through the valvecomponent 118, the sample may then be passed into an open annulus 119 ata bottom portion of the example aerosol collection device 100. In someembodiments, the open annulus 119 may be defined as the radial gapbetween a sample distribution annulus element 127 and the exterior of avalve support annulus element 128, details of which are describedherein.

In some embodiments, the example aerosol collection device 100 maycomprise one or more capsule components 102 positioned adjacent to thefilter component 105. In some embodiments, the one or more capsulecomponents 102 may be hermetically sealed. In some embodiments, the oneor more capsule components 102 may store a buffer solution 103 thatcontains positive control molecules and/or negative control moleculesbased on the target pathogen particles to be detected, which allows forsubsequent virus detection schemes to be more accurate. For example, inthe event that the target pathogen particles are present, the positiveand negative control molecules may allow for more accuratequantification of the target pathogen particles. In some embodiments,the positive and negative control molecules may provide an internalstandard that can be detected by downstream diagnostic, which providesbetter assessment of any unknown concentration of the targeted pathogen.

In some embodiments, the capsule components 102 may be positioned in thevessel component 106 of the example aerosol collection device 100 suchthat the capsule components 102 may not be moved radially orcircumferentially, and can only be moved vertically downwards into ancapsule extraction body 104. In some embodiments, the capsule components102 may be positioned mechanically above the capsule extraction body104. In the example shown in FIG. 1B, the capsule extraction body 104may be in the form of or comprise a protrusion from a bottom surface ofthe example aerosol collection device 100. As such, the capsuleextraction body 104 may be configured to, for example, break the sealand allow the buffer solution 103 to be absorbed by the filter component105. In some embodiments, the buffer solution 103 is contained in atleast one of a first side of the filter component 105 adjacent to thesample distribution annulus element 127 (e.g. an upstream side) and/or asecond side of the filter component 105 opposite to the first side (e.g.a downstream side).

In the example shown in FIG. 1B, the upper plunger component 107 maycontain an o-ring 108 that may seal the upper plunger component 107inside the example aerosol collection device 100. The upper plungercomponent 107 may include a series of leg portions 109 that engage thecapsule components 102. When the sample transfer adapter 115 is beingconnected to the device body 126, a vertical force is exerted by thesample transfer adapter 115 onto a top surface of the upper plungercomponent 107, and the force is in turn transferred to the one or morecapsule components 102 (for example, through the leg portion 109 of theupper plunger component 107), causing the capsule extraction body 104 topuncture the one or more capsule components 102 and break the seal ofthe capsule components 102 to release the buffer solution 103 to afilter component 105. In some embodiments, in addition to being absorbedby the filter component 105, the buffer solution may also fill theinternal volume under the valve component 118. In some embodiments, thebuffer solution may additionally fill a lower portion of a breathalyzerchamber 121. As such, various embodiments of the present disclosureprovides a methodology to ensure correct usage of the example aerosolcollection device 100.

In some embodiments, the buffer solution 103 may wet the filtercomponent 105, and aerosols from the sample may be captured in thebuffer solution 103 and/or the wetted-filter component 105 when thefilter component 105 is wetted with the buffer solution 103. In someembodiments, the wetted filter component 105 may capture pathogenaerosols from breath. For example, when the aerosols contact the buffersolution 103, pathogen particles present in the aerosol may enter intothe buffer solution liquid medium, therefore increasing the captureefficiency of the aerosols from the samples. In the present disclosure,the buffer solution liquid medium containing areoles (such as, but notlimited to, pathogen particles) may also be referred to as a sampleliquid.

In some embodiments, a plurality of holes (for example, the plurality ofholes 120) of the sample distribution annulus element 127 may bepositioned against the filter component 105. In some embodiments, theplurality of holes 120 may help distributing the sample equally againstthe filter component 105 after the buffer solution 103 from the capsulecomponent 102 has been released to the filter component 105.

In some embodiments, the buffer solution 103 containing the pathogenparticles from the aerosols may be extracted from the example aerosolcollection device 100. For example, subsequent to the sample being taken(for example, after a user breathing into sample transfer adapter 115),the sample transfer adapter 115 may be disconnected from the device body126. For example, the sample transfer adapter 115 may be unscrewed fromthe upper plunger component 107 and/or the device body 126. In someembodiments, after the sample transfer adapter 115 is unscrewed from theupper plunger component 107, a rotational force may be exerted on theupper plunger component 640 to rotate the upper plunger component 640.

In some embodiments, the motion of the upper plunger component 107 maybe controlled by the engagement of the leg portions 109 with a set ofridge elements 110A, 110B, 110C, and 110D, which are disposed on andprotruding from an inner lateral surface of the vessel component 106 ofthe example aerosol collection device 100 as shown in FIG. 1C. Forexample, the upper plunger component 640 may be rotated to pass one ormore vertical lock ridge elements 110C (in some embodiments, each of theone or more vertical lock ridge elements 110C is in a triangular prismshape), and may be stopped by one or more vertical stop ridge elements110D (in some embodiments, each of the one or more vertical stop ridgeelements 110D is in a rectangular prism shape). These two sets of ridgeelements 110C and 110D may lock the upper plunger component 107 into ahorizontally secured position, where the leg portion 109 of the upperplunger component 107 engages with a lower plunger component 116, whichin turn engages with the filter component 105. In some embodiments, avertical force is applied on the upper plunger component 107 (e.g. theupper plunger component 107 is pressed down). After the upper plungercomponent 107 is pressed down, the leg portion 109 of the upper plungercomponent 107 engage with the lower plunger component 116 to squeeze thesample liquid from the filter component 105 and onto bottom surface ofthe example aerosol collection device 100.

In some embodiments, the example aerosol collection device 100 maycomprise a touchless-based mechanism to extract the sample liquid fromthe filter component 105. For example, the example aerosol collectiondevice 100 may comprise a groove component 122 disposed on the bottomsurface of the device body of the example aerosol collection device 100.The groove component 122 may be punctured, opening up an area for thesample to be extracted, details of which are described herein.

In some embodiments, aerosols from the sample may be captured in thebuffer solution 103 and/or the filter component 105, and air may beseparated from the aerosols in the form of bubbles as the sample travelsthrough the buffer solution 103 and/or the filter component 105.

In some embodiments, the upper plunger component 107 may be pressed downagainst the lower plunger component 116, and the lower plunger component116 may force the sample liquid containing aerosols out of the filtercomponent 105, creating a pressure difference that is caused by thereduction of volume inside the example aerosol collection device 100. Insome embodiments, the pressure difference may cause the sample liquid tobe pushed out of the groove component 122 that has been opened.

In some embodiments, after the upper plunger component 107 is presseddown, the air may then enter into a vent channel that includes thebreathalyzer chamber 121. In the example shown in FIG. 1B, a portion ofthe breathalyzer chamber 121 is located above the filter component 105,thus enabling the air to escape from the filter component 105 after avertical force is exerted on the filter component 105, details of whichare described herein.

In some embodiments, the air may pass through a gap within the plungerbody element 112 of the upper plunger component 107 and may then exitthe example aerosol collection device 100 via a set of holes withinupper plunger component 107, details of which are described herein. Insome embodiments, the example aerosol collection device 100 may containa filter element 114 that prevents aerosols (for example,disease-causing pathogens in the sample) from escaping from the exampleaerosol collection device 100. For example, a tube component 124 havinga vent bluff annulus element 123 that defines part of the centralpassageway body may engage the plunger body element 112 of the upperplunger component 107 so that the air that escapes through the ventchannel must go through the filter element 114 before exits through theopening 113, details of which are described herein.

Accordingly, an example aerosol collection device in accordance withexample embodiments of the present disclosure may provide effectivemeans for sampling biological aerosol particles.

In accordance with various example embodiments of the presentdisclosure, an example device body of an aerosol collection device maycomprise various components, including, but not limited to, a vesselcomponent (examples of which are shown in FIG. 2A to FIG. 2D), a tubecomponent (examples of which are shown in FIG. 3A to FIG. 3B), a lowerplunger component (examples of which are shown in FIG. 4A to FIG. 5B),an upper plunger component (examples of which are shown in FIG. 5A toFIG. 5G), a cap component, a filter component, a valve component, and/orthe like. In the present disclosure, the term “component” refers to aphysical portion or part of an aerosol collection device. In someembodiments, each component of the aerosol collection device may bereplaceable. In some embodiments, each component may comprise one ormore “elements,” which are parts or portions of a component.

FIG. 2A, FIG. 2B, FIG. 2C, and FIG. 2D illustrate example views of anexample vessel component 200 in accordance with examples of the presentdisclosure. In particular, FIG. 2A illustrates an example top view ofthe example vessel component 200. FIG. 2B illustrates an examplecross-sectional view from the cut line A-A′ and viewing in the directionas shown in the arrows in FIG. 2A. FIG. 2C illustrates an examplecross-sectional view from the cut line B-B′ and viewing in the directionas shown in the arrows in FIG. 2A. FIG. 2D illustrates an examplecross-sectional view from the cut line C-C′ and viewing in the directionas shown in the arrows in FIG. 2A.

In the examples show in FIG. 2A, FIG. 2B, FIG. 2C, and FIG. 2D, thevessel component 200 is in a shape similar to a cylindrical shape. Whilethese figures provide an example of a vessel component, it is noted thatthe scope of the present disclosure is not limited to these figures. Insome examples, an example vessel component may be in a shape similar toother shape(s).

Referring to FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, the vessel component 200 has an innerbottom surface 203 and an inner lateral surface 201. In someembodiments, the inner bottom surface 203 corresponds to an inner bottomsurface of a cylindrical shape. In some embodiments, the inner lateralsurface corresponds to an inner lateral surface of the cylindricalshape. In some embodiments, the inner bottom surface 203 is in anorthogonal or perpendicular arrangement with the inner lateral surface201.

As shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, in some embodiments, the vesselcomponent comprises a sample distribution annulus element 204. In someembodiments, the sample distribution annulus element 204 is positionedon the inner bottom surface 203 of the example vessel component 200.

In the examples show in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, the sample distributionannulus element 204 is in a shape similar to a ring shape or a tubeshape. While these figures provide an example of a sample distributionannulus element, it is noted that the scope of the present disclosure isnot limited to these figures. In some examples, an example sampledistribution annulus element may be in a shape similar to othershape(s).

In some embodiments, the sample distribution annulus element 204 maycomprise or define one or more holes, openings or apertures on thesurface of the sample distribution annulus element 204. In someembodiments, one or more bubbles containing a sample may flow throughone or more holes, openings, or apertures, details of which aredescribed herein. In some embodiments, a sample may flow through the oneor more holes, openings or apertures, forming one or more bubbles,details of which are described herein.

Referring back to the examples shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, the examplevessel component 200 comprises an example valve support annulus element202. In some embodiments, the example valve support annulus element 202is positioned within the sample distribution annulus element 204. Insome embodiments, the example valve support annulus element 202 isconnected to the sample distribution annulus element 204 through one ormore legs on the bottom surface that form one or more outlets, detailsof which are described herein.

In some embodiments, the valve support annulus element 202 is in a shapesimilar to a ring shape or a tube shape. While these figures provide anexample of a valve support annulus element, it is noted that the scopeof the present disclosure is not limited to these figures. In someexamples, an example sample distribution annulus element may be in ashape similar to other shape(s).

In the examples shown in FIG. 2B and FIG. 2C, the valve support annuluselement 202 comprises a plurality of supporting beams 205. In someembodiments, each of the plurality of supporting beams 205 extends froma top surface of the valve support annulus element 202. In someembodiments, a height of the example valve support annulus element 202is larger than a height of the example sample distribution annuluselement 204. For example, the plurality of supporting beams 205 areextended from the top surface of the valve support annulus element 202such that they are not obscured by the sample distribution annuluselement 204.

Referring back to the examples shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, the examplevessel component 200 comprises at least one filter support body element(for example, filter support body element 206 and filter support bodyelement 207). In some embodiments, the at least one filter support bodyelement (for example, filter support body element 206 and filter supportbody element 207) is positioned on the inner bottom surface 203 of thevessel component 200 and positioned radially outward from the sampledistribution annulus element 204.

In some embodiments, each of the at least one filter support bodyelement (for example, each of the filter support body element 206 andthe filter support body element 207) is positioned between the innerbottom surface 203 of the vessel component 200 and the inner lateralsurface 201 of the vessel component 200.

Referring back to the examples shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, the examplevessel component 200 comprises at least one capsule extraction bodyelement (for example, capsule extraction body element 208). In someembodiments, the at least one capsule extraction body element (forexample, capsule extraction body element 208) is positioned on the innerbottom surface 203 of the vessel component 200 and positioned radiallyoutward from the sample distribution annulus element 204.

In some embodiments, the at least one capsule extraction body element(for example, capsule extraction body element 208) is positioned betweenthe inner bottom surface 203 of the vessel component 200 and the innerlateral surface 201 of the vessel component 200.

In some embodiments, each of the at least one capsule extraction bodyelement is positioned between two filter support body elements. Forexample, as shown in at least FIG. 2D, the capsule extraction bodyelement 208 is positioned between the filter support body element 206and the filter support body element 207. In some embodiments, each ofthe at least one filter support body element is positioned between twocapsule extraction body elements.

Referring to FIG. 2B, FIG. 2C, and FIG. 2D, in some embodiments, theexample vessel component 200 comprises at least one horizontal ridgeelement (for example, a horizontal ridge element 210) disposed on theinner lateral surface 201 of the vessel component 200. In someembodiments, the example vessel component 200 comprises at least onevertical ridge element (for example, a vertical ridge element 212)disposed on the inner lateral surface 201 of the vessel component 200.

In some embodiments, the at least one horizontal ridge element and theat least one vertical ridge element are connected and in anperpendicular arrangement with one another. For example, the horizontalridge element 210 and the vertical ridge element 212 are connected toone another and in an perpendicular arrangement (or an orthogonalarrangement) with one another.

In some embodiments, the at least one vertical ridge element comprisesone or more types of ridge elements. For example, the at least onevertical ridge element may comprise at least one vertical lock ridgeelement, which comprises a slope surface extending from the innerlateral surface 201. Additionally, or alternatively, the at least onevertical ridge element may comprise at least one vertical stop ridgeelement, which comprises a ridge surface extending from the innerlateral surface 201 (where a distance between the top ridge surface andthe inner lateral surface 201 satisfies a threshold to stop the legportion of a upper plunger component from sliding, details of which aredescribed herein).

FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B illustrate example views of an example tubecomponent 300 in accordance with examples of the present disclosure. Inparticular, FIG. 3A illustrates an example perspective view of theexample tube component 300. FIG. 3B illustrates an examplecross-sectional view of the example tube component 300 cut by a planethat passes the cut line A-A′ in FIG. 3A and is in a parallelarrangement with the central axis of the tube component 300.

In the examples shown in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, the example tube component300 comprises an example pipe element 301. In some embodiments, theexample pipe element 301 is in a shape similar to a tube shape, definingat least part of a flow channel 309 for receiving a sample, such thatthe sample travels through the flow channel 309 in a direction as shownby the dashed arrow in FIG. 3B, additional details which are describedherein.

While the figures provide an example of a pipe element, it is noted thatthe scope of the present disclosure is not limited to these figures. Insome examples, an example pipe element may be in other shape(s).

In some embodiments, the example pipe element comprises a top portion302 and a bottom portion 305. In some embodiments, the top portion 302and the bottom portion 305 are connected through a middle portion 304.In some embodiments, the top portion 302, the middle portion 304, andthe bottom portion 305 form at least a portion of the flow channel 309.

Referring back to FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, in some embodiments, the exampletube component 300 comprises a vent bluff annulus element 303. In someembodiments, the vent bluff annulus element 303 is in a shape similar toa ring shape or a tube shape. While the figures provide an example of avent bluff annulus element, it is noted that the scope of the presentdisclosure is not limited to these figures. In some examples, an examplevent bluff annulus element may be in other shape(s).

In some embodiments, the vent bluff annulus element 303 extends from themiddle portion 304 of the pipe element 301. In some embodiments, thevent bluff annulus element 303 surrounds the top portion 302 of the pipeelement 301, such that the top portion 302 of the pipe element 301 iswithin the vent bluff annulus element 303. In some embodiments, the ventbluff annulus element 303 does not surround the bottom portion 305 ofthe pipe element 301.

In some embodiments, the vent bluff annulus element 303 has at least oneopening 307 on a lateral surface of the vent bluff annulus element 303.In some embodiments, the at least one opening 307 provides a portion ofa vent channel and allows a sample to be discharged from an exampleaerosol collection device, details of which are described herein. Insome embodiments, the at least one opening 307 represents a series ofvent ports that are configured to intermediately allow air to escapefrom the vessel such that upper plunger component (as described indetail herein) can be pressed down into the immersed the filtercomponent without increasing pressure in the aerosol collection device,therefore increasing the resistance of the device and assisting in theextraction of fluid (such as sample liquid) from the immersed filtercomponent. As the upper plunger component is pressed down further, theat least one opening 307 will move across the locking ridge of the upperplunger component (details of which are described herein), which in turncloses the vent. In some embodiments, any further pressing on the upperplunger component by a user will build pressure in the device, and forcefluid out into an extraction cartridge, details of which are describedherein.

FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B illustrate example views of an example lower plungercomponent 400 in accordance with examples of the present disclosure. Inparticular, FIG. 4A illustrates an example perspective view of theexample lower plunger component 400. FIG. 4B illustrates an examplecross-sectional view of the example lower plunger component 400 cut by aplane that passes the cut line A-A′ in FIG. 4A and is in a parallelarrangement with the central axis of the tube component 300.

In some embodiments, the example lower plunger component 400 comprisesan example plunger annulus element 402. In some embodiments, the exampleplunger annulus element 402 is in a shape similar to a ring shape or atube shape.

While the figures provide an example of a plunger annulus element, it isnoted that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to thedescription above. In some examples, an example plunger annulus elementmay be in other shape(s).

In some embodiments, the example plunger annulus element 402 has anouter lateral surface 403. In some embodiments, at least one plungersupport wing (for example, an example plunger support wing 404) isdisposed on the outer lateral surface 403 of the example plunger annuluselement 402.

In the example shown in FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B, the example plunger supportwing 404 comprises a bottom portion 408 and a lateral portion 406. Insome embodiments, the bottom portion 408 of the example plunger supportwing 404 is connected to and extends radically outward from the outerlateral surface 403 of the example plunger annulus element 402. In someembodiments, the bottom portion 408 of the example plunger support wing404 is connected to and in a perpendicular or orthogonal arrangementwith the lateral portion 406 of the example plunger support wing 404.

In some embodiments (for example, as shown in FIG. 4B), the exampleplunger annulus element 402 comprises at least one plunger leg component(for example, an example plunger leg component 410). In someembodiments, the at least one plunger leg component extends inward to acentral axis of the plunger annulus element and is in a perpendiculararrangement with the inner lateral surface of the plunger annuluselement. In the example shown in FIG. 4B, the example plunger legcomponent 410 extends inward to a central axis B-B′ of the exampleplunger annulus element 402 and is in a perpendicular arrangement withthe inner lateral surface 405 of the example plunger annulus element402.

In some embodiments, a bottom surface of the example plunger legcomponent 410 is in contact with a top surface of an example filtercomponent of the aerosol collection device, details of which aredescribed herein.

FIG. 5A, FIG. 5B, FIG. 5C, FIG. 5D, FIG. 5E, FIG. 5F, and FIG. 5G eachillustrates an example view of at least a portion of an example upperplunger component in accordance with examples of the present disclosure.

In particular, FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B illustrate different views of anexample upper plunger component 500, which comprises at least an exampleplunger head element 501 and an example plunger body element 503. FIG.5C and FIG. 5D illustrate example views of the example plunger bodyelement 503. FIG. 5E, FIG. 5F, FIG. 5G illustrate example views of theexample plunger head element 501.

Referring now to FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B, the example plunger head element501 is secured to the example plunger body element 503.

In some embodiments, the example plunger head element 501 is secured tothe example plunger body element 503 through chemical means, such as,but not limited to, a chemical adhesive (such as, but not limited to,cyanoacrylate). Additionally, or alternatively, the example plunger headelement 501 is secured to the example plunger body element 503 throughmechanical means, such as, but not limited to, through atongue-to-groove fit, details of which are described herein.Additionally, or alternatively, the example plunger head element 501 issecured to the example plunger body element 503 through other means.

In some embodiments, an example o-ring 531 is disposed on an exampleo-ring groove on the example plunger head element 501, details of whichare described herein.

Referring now to FIG. 5C and FIG. 5D, example views of the exampleplunger body element 503 are shown. In particular, FIG. 5C illustratesan example perspective view of the example plunger body element 503.FIG. 5D illustrates an example cross-sectional view of the exampleplunger body element 503 cut by a plane that passes the cut line A-A′ inFIG. 5C and is in a parallel arrangement with the central axis of theexample plunger body element 503.

In some embodiments, the example plunger body element 503 comprises atleast a central annulus portion 505, an intermedial annulus portion 507,and at least one leg portion 509.

In some embodiments, the central annulus portion 505 is in a shapesimilar to a ring shape or a tube shape. While the figures provide anexample of a central annulus portion, it is noted that the scope of thepresent disclosure is not limited to the figures. In some examples, anexample central annulus portion may be in other shape(s).

In some embodiments, the intermedial annulus portion 507 is in a shapesimilar to a ring shape or a tube shape. While the figures provide anexample of an intermedial annulus portion, it is noted that the scope ofthe present disclosure is not limited to the figures. In some examples,an example intermedial annulus portion may be in other shape(s).

In some embodiments, the central annulus portion 505 is positionedwithin the intermedial annulus portion 507. In the example shown in FIG.5D, a first end 516 of the central annulus portion 505 is at leastpartially connected to a second end 518 of the intermedial annulusportion 507 through at least a bridge connector 521. In someembodiments, the central annulus portion 505 is not entirely connectedto the intermedial annulus portion 507, and a gap may be formed betweenthe central annulus portion 505 and the intermedial annulus portion 507,and/or an opening/aperture on a top surface of the plunger body element503 may be defined between the bridge connectors. For example, as shownin FIG. 5D, a portion of at least one vent channel (for example, ventchannel 511) may be formed between the central annulus portion 505 andthe intermedial annulus portion 507, and the opening 522 may serve as avent port of the vent channel 511. As described in detail furtherherein, the vent channel 511 provides a passageway for discharging asample from the aerosol collection device.

In some embodiments, at least one filter element may be positioned tocover the opening 522. In some embodiments, at least one filter elementis positioned between the plunger head element 501 and the plunger bodyelement 503. As the vent channel 511 is configured to discharge samplefrom the aerosol collection device, the at least one filter element isconfigured to remove containment, aerosol, bacteria, virus, and/or thelike from the sample before it is discharged from an example aerosolcollection device, so that the sample discharged from the aerosolcollection device does not cause health or environment hazard.

In some embodiments, at least one leg portion 509 is connected to theintermedial annulus portion 507 and positioned radically outwards fromthe intermedial annulus portion 507. For example, as shown in FIG. 5D, afirst end 523 of the at least one leg portion 509 is connected to thesecond end 518 of the intermedial annulus portion 507, forming at leasta portion of an annulus groove 513 on a top surface 525 of the plungerbody element 503. In some embodiments, the example plunger head element501 is secured to the example plunger body element 503 through at leastthe annulus groove 513.

In some embodiments, a lateral surface 527 of the plunger body element503 defines an o-ring groove 515. In some embodiments, an o-ring ispositioned on the o-ring groove so that the plunger body element 503(and the upper plunger component 500 as a whole) is sealed and/orsecured to a vessel component of an aerosol collection device (forexample, the o-ring may be positioned between the o-ring groove and aninner lateral surface of the vessel component).

Referring now to FIG. 5E, FIG. 5F, and FIG. 5G, example views of theexample plunger head element 501 are shown. In particular, FIG. 5Eillustrates an example perspective view of the example plunger headelement 501. FIG. 5F illustrates an example top view of the exampleplunger head element 501. FIG. 5G illustrates an example cross-sectionalview of the example plunger head element 501 cut by a plane that passesthe cut line A-A′ in FIG. 5F and is in a parallel arrangement with thecentral axis of the example plunger head element 501.

In some embodiments, the example plunger head element 501 comprises anannulus tongue 517 extending from a bottom surface of the plunger headelement 501. In some embodiments, to secure the example plunger headelement 501 to the example plunger body element 503, the annulus tongue517 is locked and/or attached to the annulus groove 513 of the plungerbody element 503, with or without chemical adhesives.

Referring back to FIG. 5E, FIG. 5F, and FIG. 5G, the example plungerhead element 501 defines a central bore 528 and one or more apertures(for example, an aperture 529) positioned radially outward from thecentral bore 528. In some embodiments, each of the plurality ofapertures defines at least a portion of a vent channel, details of whichare described herein.

In some embodiments, at least one filter element may be positioned tocover each of the plurality of apertures. As described above, the ventchannel is configured to discharge sample from the aerosol collectiondevice. As such, the at least one filter element is configured to removecontainment, aerosol, bacteria, virus, and/or the like from the samplebefore it is discharged, so that the sample discharged from the aerosolcollection device does not cause health or environment hazard.

FIG. 6A, FIG. 6B, FIG. 6C, FIG. 6D, FIG. 6E, FIG. 6F, FIG. 6G, FIG. 6H,FIG. 6I, and FIG. 6J illustrate an example method for assembling anexample aerosol collection device in accordance with examples of thepresent disclosure.

Referring now to FIG. 6A, the example method for assembling an exampleaerosol collection device in accordance with examples of the presentdisclosure comprises providing (for example, but not limited to,molding) a vessel component 602. As described above, the vesselcomponent 602 comprises at least a valve support annulus element 606 anda sample distribution annulus element 604.

Referring now to FIG. 6B, the example method for assembling an exampleaerosol collection device in accordance with examples of the presentdisclosure comprises positioning a valve component 608 on the valvesupport annulus element 606.

In some embodiments, the valve component 608 is a sphere object. In someembodiments, the valve component 608 is in other shape(s) and/orform(s). In some embodiments, the valve component 608 may comprisematerial such as, but not limited to, plastics including PVC and CPVC.

As described above, the valve support annulus element 606 may comprise aplurality of supporting beams 605. In some embodiments, the valvecomponent 608 is placed on top of and supported by the plurality ofsupporting beams 605.

Referring now to FIG. 6C, the example method for assembling an exampleaerosol collection device in accordance with examples of the presentdisclosure comprises inserting a filter component 616 between the sampledistribution annulus element 604 and at least one of a filter supportbody element 610 or a capsule extraction body element 612 of the vesselcomponent 602. In some embodiments, the filter component 616 ispositioned in the aerosol collection device prior to positioning thevalve component 608. In some embodiments, the filter component 616 ispositioned in the aerosol collection device subsequent to positioningthe valve component 608.

In some embodiments, the filter component 616 is in a ring or a tubeshape. In some embodiments, the filter component 616 is in othershape(s) and/or form(s). In some embodiments, the filter component 616is a dry filter. During the operation of the aerosol collection device,a buffer solution is released and wets the filter component 616, detailsof which are described herein.

In some embodiments, the filter component 616 may be manufactured orprovided in a rectangular shape having a dimension of 2.1″ (length)×0.5″(width)×0.125″ (thickness), and two edges of the rectangular shape maybe connected to one another to form the ring/tube shape. In someembodiments, the filter component 616 may have other dimensionalmeasurement(s).

In some embodiments, the filter component 616 may comprise material suchas, but not limited to, one or more of 2122K302 (a Mery 6 polyester),2173K133 (a sparse fiberglass filter), and/or 2182K51 (a polyester basedMery 6 with a tacky surface treatment). In some embodiments, the filtercomponent 616 may comprise other material(s).

Referring now to FIG. 6D, the example method for assembling an exampleaerosol collection device in accordance with examples of the presentdisclosure comprises positioning a lower plunger component 634 on a topsurface of the filter component 616. In some embodiments, the lowerplunger component 634 is positioned prior to positioning a tubecomponent in the aerosol collection device, details of which aredescribed herein. In some embodiments, the lower plunger component 634is placed on the top surface of the filter component 616 prior topositioning the valve component 608 on the valve support annulus element606. In some embodiments, the lower plunger component 634 is placed onthe top surface of the filter component 616 subsequent to positioningthe valve component 608 on the valve support annulus element 606.

Referring now to FIG. 6E and FIG. 6F the example method for assemblingan example aerosol collection device in accordance with examples of thepresent disclosure comprises securing a tube component 618 to the sampledistribution annulus element 604.

As shown in FIG. 6F, the tube component 618 may comprise a notch 620 andthe sample distribution annulus element 604 may comprise a notch 622. Insome embodiments, the tube component 618 is secured to the sampledistribution annulus element 604 through a slide interference fitbetween the notch 620 and the notch 622, as shown in FIG. 6F.Additionally, or alternatively, the tube component 618 is secured to thesample distribution annulus element 604 through other means, including,but not limited to chemical means such as an adhesive glue.

FIG. 6G illustrates a portion of an example cross-sectional view of theexample device shown in FIG. 6E and FIG. 6F. In the example shown inFIG. 6G, the valve component 608 is positioned between the plurality ofsupporting beams 605 of the valve support annulus element 606 and aninner surface 641 of a middle portion 642 of a pipe element 644 of thetube component 618.

In some embodiments, the inner surface 641 of the middle portion 642 maycomprise a curved surface corresponding to the surface of the valvecomponent 608. As described above, the pipe element 644 defines at leasta portion of a flow channel for receiving a sample, and the valvecomponent 608 is configured to prevent a user from accidentally suckinga buffer solution from the aerosol collection device through the flowchannel. For example, when a user sucks air through the pipe element623, the valve component 608 moves towards the middle portion 642 of thepipe element 644 and becomes in contact with the inner surface 641,which may seal the flow channel and prevent the buffer solution frombeing sucked out of the aerosol collection device through the flowchannel.

In some embodiments, a sample flows through the gap between the innersurface 641 of the middle portion 642, through the gaps between theplurality of supporting beams 605, and through the valve support annuluselement 606 towards a bottom of the vessel component 602.

In some embodiments, the inner surface of the bottom portion of the pipeelement 644 may comprise one or more indentation portions (for example,an indentation portion 646) corresponding to the gaps between theplurality of supporting beams 605. As such, the sample may flow throughthe gaps between the plurality of supporting beams 605 and the one ormore indentation portions.

Referring now to FIG. 6H and FIG. 6I, the example method for assemblingan example aerosol collection device in accordance with examples of thepresent disclosure comprises positioning at least one capsule component624 on a top surface of the capsule extraction body element 612. In someembodiments, the at least one capsule component 624 can be positioned ona top surface of the capsule extraction body element 612 at any step ofthe example method prior to the step of positioning the upper plungercomponent into the example aerosol collection device (details of whichare described herein). In some embodiments, the at least one capsulecomponent is secured between at least two vertical ridge elements of thevessel component. In the example shown in FIG. 6H, the at least onecapsule component 624 is secured between the a first vertical ridgeelement 630 (for example, a vertical stop ridge element as describedherein) and the second vertical ridge element 632 (for example, avertical lock ridge element as described herein).

Referring now to FIG. 6J, the example method for assembling an exampleaerosol collection device in accordance with examples of the presentdisclosure comprises securing a upper plunger component 640 on a topsurface of the at least one capsule component 624, and optionallysecuring a cap component 650 on the upper plunger component 640. In someembodiments, the upper plunger component 640 is secured to an innerlateral surface of the vessel component 602 through an o-ring 652.

FIG. 6J illustrates an example of an assembled aerosol collection device660. As shown in FIG. 6J, the assembled aerosol collection device 660comprises a vessel component 602. In some embodiments, the vesselcomponent 602 comprises a sample distribution annulus element 604, avalve support annulus element 606 within the sample distribution annuluselement 604, at least one capsule extraction body element (for example,capsule extraction body element 612) positioned radially outward fromthe sample distribution annulus element 604.

In some embodiments, the assembled aerosol collection device 660comprises a valve component 608 supported by the valve support annuluselement 606. In some embodiments, the assembled aerosol collectiondevice 660 comprises a tube component 618 secured to the sampledistribution annulus element 604.

In some embodiments, the assembled aerosol collection device 660comprises at least one capsule component 624 positioned on a top surfaceof the at least one capsule extraction body element (for example,capsule extraction body element 612).

In some embodiments, the assembled aerosol collection device 660comprises the upper plunger component 640 positioned on a top surface ofthe at least one capsule component 624.

In some embodiments, the assembled aerosol collection device 660comprises the filter component 616 inserted between the sampledistribution annulus element 604 and the at least one capsule extractionbody element (for example, capsule extraction body element 612) (and/ora filter support body element).

In some embodiments, the assembled aerosol collection device 660comprises a lower plunger component 634 positioned on a top surface ofthe filter component 616.

In some embodiments, the assembled aerosol collection device 660comprises a cap component 650 secured to the upper plunger component640. For example, the upper plunger component 640 comprises a plungerhead element defining a central bore having threads on the innersurface, and the cap component 650 comprises an extended portion havingthreads on the outer surface. The extended portion of the cap component650 may be fasten to the central bore of the plunger head element of theupper plunger component 640 through threads.

In some embodiments, the cap component 650 is configured to seal theflow channel and the vent channel of the aerosol collection device(details of the flow channel and the vent channel are described furtherherein). In some embodiments, the cap component 650 may preventcontamination.

FIG. 7A, FIG. 7B, FIG. 7C, FIG. 7D, and FIG. 7E illustrate an examplemethod for operating an example aerosol collection device in accordancewith examples of the present disclosure.

Referring now to FIG. 7A, the example method for operating an exampleaerosol collection device in accordance with examples of the presentdisclosure comprises removing a cap component of the device body 701from an upper plunger component 703 of the device body 701 andconnecting a sample transfer adapter 705 to a flow channel defined by atleast the upper plunger component 703 and a tube component 707.

As described above, the upper plunger component 703 comprises a plungerhead element defining a central bore having threads on the innersurface, and the sample transfer adapter 705 comprises an extendedportion having threads on the outer surface. The extended portion of thesample transfer adapter 705 may be fasten to the central bore of theplunger head element of the upper plunger component 703 through threads.

In some embodiments, the device body 701 comprises at least one capsulecomponent 709 storing buffer solution. In some embodiments, connectingthe sample transfer adapter 705 to the upper plunger component 703causes a vertically downward force exerted on the upper plungercomponent 703. In some embodiments, the upper plunger component 703 ispositioned on a top surface of the at least one capsule component 709,and the vertically downward force in turn causes a release of the buffersolution 716 from at least one capsule component 709 to a filtercomponent 713 within the device body 701, details of which are describedherein.

In some embodiments, the example method for assembling an exampleaerosol collection device in accordance with examples of the presentdisclosure comprises causing sample flow into the device body 701through the flow channel. For example, the sample flows into the devicebody 701 when a user exhales or coughs into the sample transfer adapter705. In the example shown in FIG. 7A, the flow direction of the samplein the flow channel is shown by the dashed arrow 777. In someembodiments, the sample is in contact with the buffer solution 716within the device body 701. For example, as the user exhales or coughsinto the sample transfer adapter 705, the air may be blown into thebuffer solution 716, forming one or more bubbles.

Referring now to FIG. 7B, the example method for operating an exampleaerosol collection device in accordance with examples of the presentdisclosure comprises disconnecting the aerosol collection device fromthe upper plunger component 703 of the device body 701 andconnecting/reconnecting the cap component 715 to the upper plungercomponent 703 of the device body 701 to seal the device body 701.

As described above, the upper plunger component 703 comprises a plungerhead element defining a central bore having threads on the innersurface, and the cap component 715 comprises an extended portion havingthreads on the outer surface. The extended portion of the cap component715 may be fasten to the central bore of the plunger head element of theupper plunger component 703 through threads. In some embodiments, thecap component 715 is configured to seal the flow channel.

Referring now to FIG. 7C, the example method for operating an exampleaerosol collection device in accordance with examples of the presentdisclosure comprises connecting a extraction cartridge 717 to the devicebody 701.

In some embodiments, the device body 701 comprises a lock component 719sealing a bottom hole of the device body 701. In some embodiments, thelock component 719 prevents contamination. In some embodiments,connecting the extraction cartridge 717 comprises disconnecting the lockcomponent 719 from a bottom of the vessel component 730 shown in FIG. 7Band connecting the extraction cartridge 717 to an opening on the bottomof the vessel component 730 (after the lock component 719 is removed),details of which are described herein. In some embodiments, the openingon the bottom of the vessel component 730 (after the lock component 719is removed) may be connected to an inlet (for example, an inlet of awaveguide cartridge) for further diagnostics.

Referring now to FIG. 7D, the example method for operating an exampleaerosol collection device in accordance with examples of the presentdisclosure further comprises exerting a rotational force on the upperplunger component 703, causing the upper plunger component 703 totranslate from a first configuration to a second configuration. In thefirst configuration, a bottom surface of the upper plunger component 703is in contact with a top surface of the at least one capsule component709. In the second configuration, the bottom surface of the upperplunger component 703 is in contact with a top surface of a lowerplunger component 733.

In some embodiments, the example method for operating an example aerosolcollection device in accordance with examples of the present disclosurefurther comprises exerting a vertically downward force on a top surfaceof the upper plunger component 703, which in turn causes the lowerplunger component 733 to press on the filter component 713, therebysqueezing the sample liquid out of the filter component 713.

In some embodiments, the example method for operating an example aerosolcollection device in accordance with examples of the present disclosurecomprises extracting the buffer solution 716 from the device body 701 tothe extraction cartridge 717, details of which are described herein.

Referring now to FIG. 7E, the example method for operating an exampleaerosol collection device in accordance with examples of the presentdisclosure comprises disconnecting the extraction cartridge 717 from thedevice body 701. In some embodiments, the extraction cartridge 717stores the buffer solution 716 containing aerosols that has beenextracted from the device body 701. In some embodiments, the buffersolution 716 comprising aerosols captured from the sample may beprovided to downstream diagnostics for detecting pathogen in the sample.For example, the buffer solution 716 comprising aerosols captured fromthe sample may be provided to a waveguide (such as, but not limited to,a waveguide cartridge) for further analysis and downstream diagnostics.

As such, in accordance with various examples of the present disclosure,an example aerosol collection device and example methods associated withthe aerosol collection device are provided. In some embodiments, theaerosol collection device may function as an aerosol collector utilizinga wet filter-based capture system. In some embodiments, buffer solutionis contained in capsule component(s) that are perforated before thesample is collected. In some embodiments, the aerosol collection deviceis self-contained and single use. In some embodiments, the use intent ofthe aerosol collection device is designed into the aerosol collectiondevice so as to reduce user errors in using the aerosol collectiondevice.

In some embodiments, prior to using the aerosol collection device, theaerosol collection device is sealed with the cap component secured. Insome embodiments, the cap component is removed and a sample transferadapter (such as, but not limited to, mask, straw or hood connector) isscrewed into the aerosol collection device. In some embodiments, theaerosol collection device is pressed down, which presses the capsulecomponent down onto an capsule extraction body element, liberating thebuffer solution onto a filter component. In some embodiments, the sampleis taken through the sample transfer adapter and passes through thewetted filter. Once this is completed, in some embodiments, the sampletransfer adapter is removed, and the cap component is reattached to theaerosol collection device, which seals the aerosol collection device.Subsequently, the sample is extracted from the aerosol collectiondevice.

Referring now to FIG. 8 to FIG. 14B, an example aerosol collectiondevice 800 in accordance with example embodiments of the presentdisclosure is illustrated.

Referring now to FIG. 8, an example view of the example aerosolcollection device 800 is illustrated. In the example shown in FIG. 8,the example aerosol collection device 800 may comprise a sample transferadapter and a device body. As illustrated, the sample transfer adaptermay comprise a mask component 810 configured to attach to a device body820.

In various embodiments, a mask component 810 may comprise a facialinterface element, an exterior shell, an interior cavity, and a samplingchannel. As illustrated in FIG. 8, mask component 810 comprises a facialinterface element 811, a mask exterior shell 812, a mask interior cavity813, and a sampling channel 814. In various embodiments, the maskcomponent 810 may comprise a mask exterior shell 812 that defines atleast a portion of the structural exterior of the mask component 810 anda facial interface element 811 including one or more contoured surfacesarranged about a portion of the mask exterior shell 812 and defining anopening therein. For example, the one or more contoured surfaces of thefacial interface element 811 may be configured to engage a portion of aface of a user. In particular, the one or more contoured surfaces of thefacial interface element 811 may be configured to be pressed against aportion of the user's face that surrounds the user's mouth and/or nosesuch that the opening defined by the facial interface element 811 may beconfigured to receive the mouth and/or nose of the user. In such anexemplary circumstance, a user's mouth and/or nose is positioned withinthe opening defined by the facial interface element 811, and the one ormore contoured surfaces of the facial interface element 811 may beconfigured such that an at least substantially air-tight seal may bepresent along the one or more contoured surfaces pressed against theuser's face. As such, the mask component 810 may be configured such thata user's face being engaged with the facial interface element 811 (e.g.,such that the user's mouth and/or nose is arranged within the openingdefined by the facial interface element 811) may enable a user's mouthand/or nose to be in fluid communication with a mask interior cavity813. For example, an air sample provided by a user (e.g., a breath orcough from the user) may be administered into the mask interior cavity813 of the exemplary mask component 810 via the facial interface element811. As described in further detail herein, in some embodiments, thesample may comprise air and aerosol (which may contain pathogenparticles).

In various embodiments, the mask exterior shell 812 may comprise asubstantially hollow exterior housing that at least partially defines amask interior cavity 813 of the mask component 810. For example, themask interior cavity 813 may comprise the interior volume within themask exterior shell 812, as defined by the hollow configuration of themask exterior shell 812. In various embodiments, the mask interiorcavity 813 may be configured to receive an air sample though the openingdefined by the facial interface element 811. For example, in anexemplary circumstance where the facial interface element 811 is engagedwith the face of a user, the mask interior cavity 813 may be configuredto receive a sample from the mouth and/or nose of the user (e.g., anexhaled breath) through the opening defined by the facial interfaceelement 811. In various embodiments, the mask interior cavity 813 may befluidly connected with the sampling channel 814 of the mask component810, such that an air sample within the mask interior cavity 813 (e.g.,a breath provided from the user) may further flow into the samplingchannel 814 for delivery from the mask component 810 to the device body820, as described in further detail herein.

In various embodiments, the sampling channel 814 of an exemplary maskcomponent 810 may comprise a conduit element configured to facilitatethe delivery of an air sample provided to the mask component 810 to adownstream component of the exemplary aerosol collection device 800. Forexample, in various embodiments described herein, the sampling channel814 may be configured to facilitate the delivery of an air samplepresent within the mask interior cavity 813 to a device body 820 (forexample, into a flow channel described herein).

As illustrated in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, the sampling channel 814 maycomprise a tubular structure having a hollow central portion throughoutthe length of the structure that allows air to pass therethrough. Invarious embodiments, sampling channel 814 may comprise a first end thatis arranged adjacent to and/or within the mask interior cavity 813, suchthat the sampling channel 814 is in fluid communication with the maskinterior cavity 813 and configured to receive an air sample therefrom.Further, sampling channel 814 may comprise a second end at an opposite,distal end of the tubular structure. In various embodiments, at least adistal portion of the sampling channel, such as, for example, the secondend of the sampling channel 814, may protrude from the mask exteriorshell 812 in an outward direction so as to extend away from the surfaceof the mask exterior shell 812. In various embodiments, sampling channel814 may further comprise a sample outlet 818 through which a sampletraveling along the hollow interior of the sampling channel 814 may bedispensed therefrom. For example, the sample outlet 818 may be definedby an orifice positioned at the second end of the tubular structure ofthe sampling channel 814. As described herein, in various embodiments,the sample outlet 818 of the sampling channel 814 may embody a sampleoutlet of the mask component 810. In such an exemplary circumstance, asample of air received by the mask component 810 may be dispensed fromthe mask component 810 to a fluidly downstream component of the aerosolcollection device 800 (e.g., a flow channel of the device body 820) viathe sample outlet 818.

In various embodiments, the sampling channel 814 may be attached to atleast a portion of the device body 820 so as to secure the maskcomponent 810 relative to the device body 820. For example, in someembodiments, the sampling channel 814 may be attached to a flow channel(e.g. defined by at least an upper plunger component) of the device body820 via various means, including but not limited to, mechanical means(for example, the sampling channel 814 may be screwed into the devicebody 820 via threads provided about an exterior surface of the distalportion of the sampling channel 814). In various embodiments, thesampling channel 814 may be attached to the device body 820 such that anair flow path extending from the sample outlet 818 of the samplingchannel 814 to the central bore of the device body 820, as describedherein, may remain at least substantially unobstructed.

While the description above provides an example of the sampling channel814, it is noted that the scope of the present disclosure is not limitedto the description above. In some examples, the sampling channel 814 maybe embodied as, such as but not limited to, an orifice extending throughthe mask exterior shell 812 that is configured to fluidly connect themask interior cavity 813 to a downstream component of the aerosolcollection device 800 (e.g., the device body 820) such that a samplepresent within the mask interior cavity 813 may flow through the orificein the mask exterior shell 812 directly to the downstream component ofthe aerosol collection device 800. Further, in various embodiments, oneor more components of an exemplary mask component 810 such as, forexample, a sampling conduit 816 may be selectively removable from themask exterior shell 812 of the mask component 810.

In various embodiments, the exemplary mask component 810 may compriseone or more adapter ventilation elements configured to enable a volumeof air dispensed from an exhaust outlet of a device body 820 coupled tothe mask component 810 (for example, from an opening/vent port of aplunger head element of the upper plunger component described herein) toflow into the ambient environment. For example, the mask exterior shell812 of an exemplary mask component 810 may be defined in part by a maskventilation surface 815. In various embodiments, a mask ventilationsurface 815 may be configured such that, in an exemplary circumstancewhere the sampling channel 814 of the mask component 810 is attached todevice body 820 (e.g., at a upper plunger component of device body 820),the mask ventilation surface 815 is positioned a distance away from thedevice body 820 so as to provide an opening (e.g., an adapterventilation opening) between the mask component 810 and the device body820 through which at least a portion of the aerosol-removed sampledispensed from an exhaust outlet of the device body 820 (for example,from an opening/vent port of a plunger head element of the upper plungercomponent described herein) may be exhausted into the ambientenvironment. As illustrated further in FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B, theexemplary mask component 810 may be configured such that the maskexhaust surface 1215 of the mask component 810 is positioned aperpendicular distance away from an exterior surface 1226 of the devicebody 820 (e.g., an exterior surface of the aerosol collection device 800through which air samples are dispensed through exhaust outlets) so asto provide a ventilation opening 1230 through which at least a portionof the aerosol-removed sample dispensed from exterior surface 1226 maybe exhausted into the ambient environment. As described herein, prior tobeing dispensed from the aerosol collection device 800, the sample maytravel along the vent channel and through the filter element in theupper plunger component. As such, aerosols may be removed from thesample by the filter element prior to being released into the ambientenvironment.

While the description above provides an example of the ventilationopening 1230 defined, at least in part, by the mask exhaust surface1215, it is noted that the scope of the present disclosure is notlimited to the description above. In some examples, the ventilationopening 1230 may be embodied as an adapter ventilation element of anexemplary mask component 810, the adapter ventilation element comprisingone or more tubular channels configured to at least partially define anair flow path that extends between the exhaust outlet of the aerosolcollection device 800 and the ambient environment so as to facilitatethe delivery of an air sample exhausted from the aerosol collectiondevice 800 to the ambient environment via the adapter ventilationchannels.

While the description above provides an example of a sample transferadapter as exemplary mask component 810, it is noted that the scope ofthe present disclosure is not limited to the description above. In someexamples, the sample transfer adapter may be embodied as, such as butnot limited to a sampling tunnel, sampling hood, and/or other device(s).In some embodiments, the sample transfer adapter may be in the form of anasal swab that can provide biological samples.

For example, as illustrated in FIG. 13A and FIG. 13B, an exemplaryaerosol collection device 1300 may comprise a sample transfer adapterembodied as a sampling tunnel 1310. In various embodiments, a samplingtunnel 1310 may be in the form of a tubular structure having a sampleinlet 1311 configured to receive a sample from, for example, a user, anda sampling tunnel body 1312 configured to deliver the received samplefrom the sample inlet 1311 to a device body 1320 (to which the samplingtunnel 1310 may be attached). For example, the sampling tunnel body 1312may be in a tube shape and/or comprise a hollow portion in the centerthat allows air to pass. In some embodiments, the sampling tunnel 1310may be embodied as a breathing straw. As such, sample (for example,breath from a user) may be administered into the example device body1320 via the sampling tunnel 1310.

In various embodiments, sampling tunnel 1310 may be configured to beattached to an exemplary device body 1320 via a means at leastsubstantially similar to that of the exemplary mask component 810described above. Further, in various embodiments, the exemplary samplingtunnel 1310 may comprise one or more adapter ventilation elementsconfigured to enable a volume of air dispensed from an exhaust outlet ofa device body 1320 (for example, from an opening/vent port of a plungerhead element of the upper plunger component described herein) coupled tothe sampling tunnel 1310 to flow into the ambient environment. Forexample, sampling tunnel 1310 may comprise a sampling tunnel ventilationsurface 1315. In various embodiments, the sampling tunnel ventilationsurface 1315 may be configured such that, in an exemplary circumstancewhere the sampling tunnel 1310 is attached to a device body 1320, asdescribed herein, the sampling tunnel ventilation surface 1315 ispositioned a distance away from the device body 1320 so as to provide anopening (e.g., an adapter ventilation opening) between the samplingtunnel 1310 and the device body 1320 through which at least a portion ofthe aerosol-removed sample dispensed from an exhaust outlet of thedevice body 1320 1320 (for example, from an opening/vent port of aplunger head element of the upper plunger component described herein)may be exhausted into the ambient environment. As illustrated in FIG.13A and FIG. 13B, the exemplary sampling tunnel 1310 may be configuredsuch that the sampling tunnel ventilation surface 1315 is positioned ata perpendicular distance away from an exterior surface 1326 of thedevice body 1320 (e.g., an exterior surface of the device body 1320through which air samples are dispensed through exhaust outlets) so asto provide an adapter ventilation opening 1330 through which at least aportion of the aerosol-removed sample dispensed from exterior surface1326 may be exhausted into the ambient environment.

As another example, FIG. 14A and FIG. 14B illustrate an exemplaryaerosol collection device 1400 comprising a sample transfer adapterembodied as a sampling hood 1410. In various embodiments, a samplinghood 1410 may define a sampling channel 1414 having a sample inlet 1411configured to receive a sample from, for example, a user. The samplingchannel 1414 may be embodied as a tubular structure configured todeliver the received sample from the sample inlet 1411 to a device body1420 to which the sampling channel 1414 may be attached. For example,the sampling channel 1414 may be in a tube structure and/or comprise ahollow portion in the center that allows air to pass. In variousembodiments, sampling channel 1414 may further comprise a samplingchannel outlet 1416 through which a sample traveling along the hollowinterior of the sampling channel 1414 may be dispensed therefrom. Forexample, the sampling hood outlet 1417 may be defined by an orificepositioned at an opposite end of the tubular structure of the samplingchannel 1414 relative to the sample inlet 1411. In various embodiments,a sample of air received by the sampling hood 1410 may be dispensed fromthe sampling hood 1410 to a fluidly downstream component of the aerosolcollection device 1400 (e.g., a flow channel of the device body 1420)via the sampling channel outlet 1416.

In various embodiments, sampling hood 1410 may be configured to beattached to an exemplary device body 1420 via a means at leastsubstantially similar to that of the exemplary mask component 810 and/orthe sampling tunnel 1310 described above. Further, in variousembodiments, the exemplary sampling hood 1410 may comprise one or moreadapter ventilation elements configured to enable a volume of airdispensed from an exhaust outlet of a device body 1420 coupled to thesampling hood 1410 to flow into a downstream environment fluidlyconnected thereto. For example, sampling hood 1410 may comprise a hoodcover 1412 embodied as a substantially hollow shell housing that atleast partially defines a hood interior cavity 1413 of the sampling hood1410. For example, the hood interior cavity 1413 of the sampling hood1410 may comprise at least a portion of the interior volume within thehood cover 1412, as defined by the hollow configuration of the hoodcover 1412. In various embodiments, the sampling hood 1410 may comprisea sampling hood outlet 1417 through which a sample received within thehood interior cavity 1413 may flow so as to be dispensed from thesampling hood 1410. For example, sampling hood outlet 1417 may be anorifice extending through the hood cover 1412 that is configured tofluidly connect the hood interior cavity 1413 to a downstreamenvironment connected to the sampling hood outlet 1417 such that an airsample within the hood interior cavity 1413 (e.g., a sample dispensedfrom the device body 1420) may flow through the sampling hood outlet1417 to the downstream environment (for example, a flow channel).

In various embodiments, the hood interior cavity 1413 may be configuredto receive a volume of air dispensed from an exhaust outlet of a devicebody 1420. For example, in an exemplary circumstance where the samplinghood 1410 is attached to a device body 1420 (e.g., via an attachmentmeans at a distal end of the sampling channel 1414), the hood interiorcavity 1413 may be configured to receive a sample dispensed from anexhaust outlet of the device body 1420. As illustrated in FIG. 14A andFIG. 14B, the hood cover 1412 may comprise a hood cover seal surface1415 configured to engage a surface of a device body 1420 so as togenerate an at least substantially air-tight seal between the samplinghood 1410 and a device body 1420 along the hood cover seal surface 1415.For example, the sampling hood 1410 may be configured such that, in anexemplary circumstance where the sampling channel 1414 of the samplinghood 1410 is attached to a device body 1420 (e.g., at a upper plungercomponent of device body 1420), the hood cover seal surface 1415 isphysically engaged with one or more exterior surfaces 1426 of the devicebody 1420 (e.g., an exterior surface of the device body 1420 throughwhich air samples are dispensed through vent channels) to provide asealed perimeter about the one or more exterior surfaces 1426 of thedevice body 1420. The hood cover seal surface 1415 may be configured toprevent the sample dispensed from the device body 1420 (e.g., via one ormore vent channels arranged about an exterior surface 1426) from flowingdirectly into an ambient environment without passing through at least aportion of the sampling hood 1410 (e.g., the sampling hood outlet 1417).For example, as illustrated in FIG. 14B, the sampling hood 1410 may beattached to the device body 1420 such that the sealed perimeter providedby the hood cover seal surface 1415 extends along the exterior surface1426 so as to surround each of the one or more outlets of one or morevent channels of the device body 1420 (for example, surrounding one ormore openings/vent ports of a plunger head element of the upper plungercomponent described herein). In such an exemplary configuration, thesampling hood 1410 may be configured such that the entirety of thesample dispensed from the device body 1420 (e.g., via the one or morevent channels) is received by the hood interior cavity 1413 and directedtoward the sampling hood outlet 1417.

In various embodiments, a portion of hood cover 1412 at leastsubstantially adjacent the sampling hood outlet 1417 may be configuredto mechanically attach to one or more external components defining oneor more downstream environments. For example, the hood cover 1412 may beconfigured to mechanically attach to an external component defining adownstream controlled environment in order to fluidly connected thesampling hood outlet 1417 to the downstream controlled environment. Insuch an exemplary circumstance, the sampling hood outlet 1417 may beconfigured to fluidly connect the hood interior cavity 1413 to thedownstream controlled such that a sample dispensed from the device body1420 into the hood interior cavity 1413 may further flow through thesampling hood outlet 1417 to the downstream controlled environment. Invarious embodiments, a controlled environment may exhibit one or morepredefined environmental conditions, such as, for example, a knownpressure, temperature, volume, aerosol composition, and/or the like. Forexample, a controlled environment disposed downstream from the samplinghood outlet 1417 may be utilized to enable the experimentation,observation, and/or analysis of a sample of air dispensed from thedevice body 1420 in a controlled environment.

Various embodiments the present disclosure may provide technicaladvantages and benefits in sample collection, such as, but not limitedto, breath-aerosol collection. As described above, an example aerosolcollection device in accordance with examples of the present disclosuremay comprise a buffer solution. In some embodiments, the buffer solutionmay be tailored to specific subsequent pathogen detection techniques.

When a specimen is collected with nasal swabs, it requires anintermediate steps to extract the pathogen from the swab into a liquidmedium. The liquid medium may be a buffered solution but the exactmakeup of the medium differs depending on the immediate plans for thesample. For example, a stabilization medium can be used if the sample isgoing to be transferred via mail or stored before analysis. If thesample is going to be analyzed immediately (for example, within a fewhours), the medium can contain chemicals meant to extract and preservethe RNA/DNA context for PCR-type assays.

In accordance with examples of the present disclosure, implementing theaerosol collection device may eliminate the need for nasal swabs, andthe physics of the aerosol collection device is not impacted by theadditional chemical constituents of the liquid medium. For example,specific liquid media for specific downstream analysis may be used asthe buffer solution. Various embodiments of the present disclosure maycombine the specimen collection step with the pathogen extraction step,which may save additional labor and reduce the risk of contamination ofthe specimen. In some embodiments, different liquids may be stored in aset of capsule components in a single aerosol collection device so thatthe liquids may be combined and react at the moment of use.

FIG. 15A, FIG. 15B, FIG. 15C, and FIG. 15D illustrate example views ofan example capsule component 1500 in accordance with various examples ofthe present disclosure. In particular, FIG. 15A illustrates an exampletop view of the example capsule component 1500. FIG. 15B illustrates anexample bottom view of the example capsule component 1500. FIG. 15Cillustrates an example perspective view of the example capsule component1500. FIG. 15D illustrates another example perspective view of theexample capsule component 1500.

As shown in the example capsule component 1500 illustrated in FIG. 15A,FIG. 15B, FIG. 15C, and FIG. 15D, the example capsule component 1500comprises a holder element 1501 and a cap element 1503.

In some embodiments, the buffer solution is hermetically sealed in theholder element 1501 by the cap element 1503. For example, the holderelement 1501 defines a cavity having an opening on the bottom surface1505 of the holder element 1501. In some embodiments, the buffersolution is disposed within the cavity defined by the holder element1501. In some embodiments, the cap element 1503 seals the opening on thebottom surface 1505 of the holder element 1501.

In some embodiments, the cap element 1503 is attached to the holderelement 1501 through a chemical adhesive, such as, but not limited to, achemical glue. In some embodiments, the cap element 1503 is attached tothe holder element 1501 through other means.

Referring now to FIG. 15C and FIG. 15D, the holder element 1501 maycomprise a handle portion 1507 and a body portion 1509. In the exampleshown in FIG. 15C and FIG. 15D, the body portion 1509 stores the buffersolution. In some embodiments, the handle portion 1507 extends from atop surface of the body portion 1509.

In some embodiments, the handle portion 1507 may define an opening 1511.In some embodiments, after the aerosol collection device is used, a hook(such as a hex key) may be used to engage with the opening 1511 to pullthe capsule component 1500 out from the aerosol collection device.

In some embodiments, an example aerosol collection device may compriseone or more capsule components. For example, the example aerosolcollection device may comprise a first capsule component storing a firstbuffer solution and a second capsule component storing a second buffersolution. In some embodiments, the first buffer solution is the same asthe second buffer solution. In some embodiments, the first buffersolution is different from the second buffer solution.

For example, the first buffer solution and/or the second buffer solutionmay contain chemicals that extract and/or preserve the genetic proteinscollected from the sample. In some embodiments, the first buffersolution and/or the second buffer solution may contain chemicals thatmay assist the downstream analysis of the collected sample. In someembodiments, the first buffer solution and the second buffer solutionmay combine and react when they are released. In some embodiments, thebuffer solution may have pH level(s) and ion concentration level(s) thatare similar to human cells. In such embodiments, the buffer solution isa fluid that preserves biological samples.

In some embodiments, an example buffer solution may comprise tworeagents that will interact with biological cells or proteins to produceeither a color change or other property changes, indicating the presenceof the target cells or proteins. Additionally, or alternatively, thecapsule component may contain buffer solution for positive and negativecontrols that are targeted for biological elements for downstreamanalysis. For example, some buffer solutions may assist in identifyingand/or detecting a biological element when there is a target virus inthe sample. Additionally, or alternatively, some buffer solution mayassist in identifying and/or detecting a biological element when thereis no target virus in the sample. In some embodiments, some elements maycontain the same positive and/or negative controls and, as such, thecapsule component may contain different solutions. In some embodiments,a capsule component may store 0.7 milliliters of buffer solution. Insome embodiments, the capsule component may store less than or more than0.7 milliliters of buffer solution (for example, approximately 0.1milliliters).

In some embodiments, an example aerosol collection device may comprisethree capsule components: a first capsule component, a second capsulecomponent, and a third capsule component. In some embodiments, thebuffer solutions stored within each of the first capsule component, asecond capsule component, and a third capsule component are the same. Insome embodiments, two of the buffer solutions stored within each of thefirst capsule component, a second capsule component, and a third capsulecomponent are the same. In some embodiments, the buffer solutions storedwithin each of the first capsule component, a second capsule component,and a third capsule component are different. In some embodiments, anexample aerosol collection device may comprise less than or more thanthree capsule components.

FIG. 16 illustrates an example view of at least a portion of an examplecapsule extraction body element 1602 in accordance with exampleembodiments of the present disclosure. In the example shown in FIG. 16,the capsule extraction body element 1602 comprises a protrusion 1606positioned on a top surface 1604 of the capsule extraction body element1602.

FIG. 17A and FIG. 17B illustrate example views of at least a portion ofan example capsule component 1701 and an example capsule extraction bodyelement 1703 in accordance with example embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

As described above, an example aerosol collection device in accordancewith examples of the present disclosure may comprise a capsuleextraction body element 1703 and at least one capsule component (forexample, a capsule component 1701). In some embodiments, the capsulecomponent 1701 stores buffer solution, as described above. In someembodiments, the capsule component 1701 is positioned on the capsuleextraction body element 1703.

In some embodiments, the aerosol collection device comprises a vesselcomponent 1711 having an inner lateral surface 1713. In someembodiments, the vessel component 1711 comprises at least two verticalridge elements disposed on the inner lateral surface 1713 of the vesselcomponent 1711. In the example shown in FIG. 17A, the example vesselcomponent 1711 comprises a first vertical ridge element 1715 and asecond vertical ridge element 1717.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of each of the at least onecapsule component is positioned between the at least two vertical ridgeelements. In the example shown in FIG. 17A, a handle portion 1719 of thecapsule component 1701 is positioned between the first vertical ridgeelement 1715 and the second vertical ridge element 1717. As such, insome embodiments, the first vertical ridge element 1715 and the secondvertical ridge element 1717 secure the position of the capsule component1701 and prevent the capsule component 1701 from sliding along the innerlateral surface 1713 of the vessel component 1711.

In some embodiments, the vessel component 1711 comprises at least onehorizontal ridge element (for example, a horizontal ridge element 1721)disposed on the inner lateral surface 1713 of the vessel component 1711.In some embodiments, at least a top surface of each of the at least onecapsule component is on a same plane as a top surface of the at leastone horizontal ridge. In the example shown in FIG. 17A, a top surface ofthe capsule component 1701 (e.g. a top surface of the handle portion1719 of the capsule component 1701) is on a same plane as a top surfaceof the horizontal ridge element 1721.

In the example shown in FIG. 17B, the capsule extraction body element1703 comprises a protrusion 1705 extending from the top surface of thecapsule extraction body element 1703. In some embodiments, the capelement 1707 of the capsule component 1701 is positioned on top of theprotrusion 1705. Because the protrusion 1705 extends from the topsurface of the capsule extraction body element 1703, only a portion ofthe cap element 1707 is in contact with the protrusion 1705 of thecapsule extraction body element 1703, and an air gap 1709 is formedbetween the top surface of the capsule extraction body element 1703(other than the protrusion 1705) and the cap element 1707 of the capsulecomponent 1701.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure may provide varioustechnical advantages and benefits. For example, an example aerosolcollection device in accordance with examples of the present disclosuremay comprise at least one capsule component. In some embodiments, the atleast one capsule component is engaged and punctured during operation ofthe aerosol collection device to provide liquid insertion to a filtercomponent at the moment of use, which may prevent prematurely providingthe liquid insertion and may extend the shelf life of the aerosolcollection device.

FIG. 18A and FIG. 18B each illustrates at least a portion of an examplecapsule component and/or a portion of an example upper plunger componentin accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure. Inparticular, FIG. 18A illustrates a bottom portion of the example upperplunger component 1803 and a top portion of a capsule component 1801.FIG. 18B illustrates a bottom portion of the capsule component 1801 anda top portion of capsule extraction body element 1805.

As described above, an example aerosol collection device in accordancewith examples of the present disclosure may comprise at least onecapsule component and an upper plunger component. In the example shownin FIG. 18A and FIG. 18B, the example aerosol collection device maycomprise at least a capsule component 1801 and an upper plungercomponent 1803.

In some embodiments, the capsule component 1801 stores buffer solution.In some embodiments, a top surface of the capsule component 1801 is incontact with a bottom surface of the upper plunger component 1803 (forexample, a bottom surface of the at least one leg portion), as shown inFIG. 18A.

As described above, the capsule component 1801 may comprise a holderelement 1807 and a cap element 1809. In some embodiments, the holderelement 1807 of the capsule component 1801 defines a cavity having anopening on a bottom surface of the capsule component 1801 and storingthe buffer solution. In some embodiments, the cap element 1809hermetically seals the opening of the holder element 1807.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of the cap element 1809 is incontact with the capsule extraction body element 1805. For example, aportion of the cap element 1809 is in contact with the protrusion 1813of capsule extraction body element 1805, and an air gap 1811 is formedbetween the cap element 1809 and the top surface of the capsuleextraction body element 1805, similar to those described above.

In some embodiments, the upper plunger component 1803 is in contact witha top surface of the holder element of the capsule component 1801 (forexample, a top surface of a handle portion of the holder element).

In some embodiments, a vertically downward force may be exerted on a topsurface of the upper plunger component 1803. The vertical force may betrigger by, for example, but not limited to, connecting an aerosolcollection device to the upper plunger component 1803 as describedabove.

In some embodiments, in response to receiving a vertically downwardforce exerted on a top surface of the upper plunger component 1803, theupper plunger component 1803 is configured to transfer the verticallydownward force to the capsule component 1801 and causing a verticalmovement of the capsule component 1801. In some embodiments, thevertical movement of the capsule component 1801 causes the capsuleextraction body element 1805 (for example, the protrusion 1813) to breakthe cap element 1809 of the capsule component 1801. Subsequent to thecap element 1809 being broken, the buffer solution that was stored inthe holder element 1807 of the capsule component 1801 flows on thecapsule extraction body element 1805. In some embodiments, the capelement 1809 may comprise material such as, but not limited to,polypropylene (for example, the cap element 1809 may be in the form of apolypropylene film). Additionally, or alternatively, the cap element1809 may comprise other materials.

FIG. 19 and FIG. 20 each illustrates an example view of at least aportion of an example aerosol collection device subsequent to the buffersolution being released in accordance with examples of the presentdisclosure.

Referring now to FIG. 19, an example cross-sectional view of an exampleaerosol collection device 1900 in accordance with examples of thepresent disclosure is illustrated.

In the example shown in FIG. 19, the example aerosol collection device1900 comprises a first vertical ridge element 1901 and a second verticalridge element 1903 disposed on an inner lateral surface 1909 of theexample aerosol collection device 1900. As described above, the handleportion of the holder element of the capsule component 1902 may bepositioned and secured between the first vertical ridge element 1901 andthe second vertical ridge element 1903. In the example shown in FIG. 19,when a vertically downward force is exerted on a top surface of theupper plunger component 1911, the leg portion 1907 of the upper plungercomponent 1911 travels downwards between the first vertical ridgeelement 1901 and the second vertical ridge element 1903, and pushes thehandle portion of the holder element of the capsule component 1905 totravel downwards.

In some embodiments, after the cap element of the capsule componentbeing broken by the capsule extraction body element (for example, aprotrusion on a top surface of the capsule extraction body element), thecapsule component travels downwards until stopped by the capsuleextraction body element. In the example shown in FIG. 19, the capsulecomponent 1902 is stopped at least partially by the capsule extractionbody element 1904. In this state, the capsule extraction body element1904 is at least partially within the cavity of the capsule component1902 (where the buffer solution was previously stored).

As described above, in accordance examples of the present disclosure, afilter component is positioned adjacent to the capsule extraction bodyelement of the vessel component of an example aerosol collection device.Referring now to FIG. 20, an example cross-sectional view of at least aportion of an example aerosol collection device 2000 is shown.

In the example shown in FIG. 20, a filter component 2002 is positionedadjacent to the capsule extraction body element 2004. After receiving avertically downward force, the upper plunger component 2008 pushes thecapsule component 2006 downwards, causing the capsule extraction bodyelement 2004 to break the seal component of the capsule component 2006and release the buffer solution from the capsule component 2006. Becausethe filter component 2002 is positioned adjacent to the capsuleextraction body element 2004, the buffer solution flows to the filtercomponent 2002 and wets the filter component 2002.

As such, in accordance with examples of the present disclosure, anexample method for operating an aerosol collection device is provided.In some embodiments, the example method comprises exerting a verticallydownward force on a top surface of an upper plunger to cause releasingbuffer solution from at least one capsule component to a filtercomponent. As described above, the example method may further compriseproviding a sample to the filter component (for example, but not limitedto, a user coughing to the aerosol collection device through a sampletransfer adapter described herein).

As described above, example embodiments of the present disclosureprovide various technical advantages and benefits. For example, exampleembodiments of the present disclosure provide an aerosol collectiondevice that may define a flow channel for collecting aerosol from asample and/or may define a vent channel for discharging the sample fromthe aerosol collection device.

FIG. 21 illustrates at least a portion of an example upper plungercomponent 2101 and at least a portion of an example capsule component2103 in accordance with examples of the present disclosure.

In the example configuration shown in FIG. 21, a bottom surface of theupper plunger component 2101 is in contact with a top surface of acapsule component 2103. For example, a bottom surface of a leg portion2111 of the upper plunger component 2101 is in contact with the topsurface of the capsule component 2103. As described above, the exampleupper plunger component 2101 may receive a vertically downward forceexerted on a top surface of the example upper plunger component 2101.The vertically downward force may cause the example upper plungercomponent 2101 to travel downwards between a first vertical ridgeelement 2105 and a second vertical ridge element 2107, which aredisposed on an inner lateral surface 2109 of an vessel component. Thevertically downward force may further cause the cap element of thecapsule component 2103 to be broken, and the buffer solution to bereleased from the capsule component 2103.

As described above, the first vertical ridge element 2105 and the secondvertical ridge element 2107 may comprise at least one vertical lockridge element and at least one vertical stop ridge element. Referringnow to FIG. 22, example ridge elements positioned on an inner lateralsurface 2208 of an example vessel component in accordance with examplesof the present disclosure are illustrated.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 22, a vertical lock ridge element2202, a vertical stop ridge element 2204, and a horizontal ridge element2206 are disposed on the inner lateral surface 2208 of an vesselcomponent. In the example shown in FIG. 22, the vertical lock ridgeelement 2202 is connected to and in an orthogonal arrangement with thehorizontal ridge element 2206. Additionally, or alternatively, thevertical stop ridge element 2204 is connected to and in an orthogonalarrangement with the horizontal ridge element 2206.

In some embodiments, the vertical lock ridge element 2202 may comprise aslope surface that extends from the inner lateral surface 2208 at anangle less than 90 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle is 45degrees. In some embodiments, the angle is 51 degrees. In someembodiments, the angle may be of other values. The angle allows for thevertical lock ridge element 2202 to deflect inwards instead of stoppingrotation of a leg portion of an upper plunger component. In other words,the slope surface enables a leg portion of an upper plunger component torotate and slide past the vertical lock ridge element 2202, but preventsthe leg portion of the upper plunger component from rotating back afterthe leg portion rotates past the vertical lock ridge element 2202. Forexample, prior to sliding past the vertical lock ridge element 2202, theupper plunger component may be in a first configuration where it is incontact with a capsule component. Subsequent to sliding past thevertical lock ridge element 2202, the upper plunger component may be ina second configuration where it is in contact with a lower plungercomponent. Details of the first configuration and the secondconfiguration are described further herein.

In some embodiments, the vertical stop ridge element 2204 may comprisetwo side surfaces, each having an orthogonal arrangement with the innerlateral surface 2208. In some embodiments, the vertical stop ridgeelement 2204 comprises a top surface that is connected to the two sidesurfaces and has the same curvature as the inner lateral surface 2208.In some embodiments, the vertical stop ridge element 2204 does notcomprise a slope surface that extends from the inner lateral surface2208 at an angle less than 90 degrees. As such, the vertical stop ridgeelement 2204 prevents a leg portion of an upper plunger component torotate and slide past the vertical stop ridge element 2204.

In some embodiments, the height of the vertical lock ridge element 2202(e.g. a distance between the top point of the vertical lock ridgeelement 2202 and the point on the inner lateral surface 2208 where thevertical lock ridge element 2202 protrudes from) is less than (forexample, half of) the height of the vertical stop ridge element 2204(e.g. a distance between the top surface of the vertical stop ridgeelement 2204 and the inner lateral surface 2208 where side surfaces ofthe vertical stop ridge element 2204 protrude from), so that the legportion of the upper plunger component may slide past the vertical lockridge element 2202 but may not past the vertical stop ridge element2204.

Additionally, or alternatively, the height of the vertical lock ridgeelement 2202 (e.g. a distance between the top point of the vertical lockridge element 2202 and the point on the inner lateral surface 2208 wherethe vertical lock ridge element 2202 protrudes from) is less than (forexample, half of) the height of the horizontal ridge element 2206 (e.g.a distance between the top point of the horizontal ridge element 2206and the point on the inner lateral surface 2208 where the horizontalridge element 2206 protrudes from).

FIG. 23 and FIG. 24 illustrate example views of at least portions of anexample aerosol collection device after the upper plunger component isrotated.

In particular, FIG. 23 illustrates an example cross-sectional view of atleast a portion of an example upper plunger component 2303. In theexample shown in FIG. 23, a leg portion 2301 of the example upperplunger component 2303 has been rotated and slide past a vertical lockridge element 2305 and stopped at a vertical stop ridge element 2307.For example, a user may rotate the plunger head element of the upperplunger component, which in turn cause the leg portion 2301 of theexample upper plunger component 2303 to rotate.

In some embodiments, the rotation and sliding of the leg portion 2301 ofthe upper plunger component 2303 is restricted by the horizontal ridgeelement 2206 in the vertical direction. In some embodiments, thehorizontal ridge element 2206 prevents the leg portion 2301 (and theupper plunger component 2303) from moving vertically upwards.

FIG. 24 illustrates an example cross-sectional view of an exampleaerosol collection device 2400 after the upper plunger component 2401 isrotated.

As described above, the leg portion 2403 of the upper plunger component2401 is stopped by the vertical stop ridge element 2405 from furtherrotating. In the configuration shown in FIG. 24, the bottom surface ofthe upper plunger component 2401 (for example, the bottom surface of theleg portion 2403) is in contact with a top surface of a plunger supportwing 2407 of the lower plunger component 2409.

As such, examples of the present disclosure may provide an exampleaerosol collection device that comprises a lower plunger component andan upper plunger component. Similar to those described above, the lowerplunger component may comprise a plurality of plunger support wings, andeach of the plurality of plunger support wings is positioned between twoof a plurality of capsule components.

In some embodiments, the upper plunger component is configured totranslate from a first configuration to a second configuration triggeredby a rotational force (for example, a user rotating the plunger headelement of the upper plunger component). In the words, the upper plungercomponent (which may start at a first configuration) may be rotated andarrive at a second configuration.

In the first configuration (for example, as shown in FIG. 21), a bottomsurface of the upper plunger component is in contact with a top surfaceof each of the plurality of capsule components. For example, the bottomsurface of the at least one leg portion is in contact with the topsurface of each of the plurality of capsule components.

As described above, in some embodiments, the lower plunger component andthe upper plunger component are housed within a vessel component havingat least one vertical lock ridge element and at least one vertical stopridge element disposed on an inner lateral surface of the vesselcomponent. In some embodiments, the rotational force on the upperplunger component causes at least a portion of the at least one legportion to (from the first configuration) rotate past the at least onevertical lock ridge element and stop at the at least one vertical stopridge element (and arrive at the second configuration).

In the second configuration (for example, as shown in FIG. 24), thebottom surface of the upper plunger component is in contact with a topsurface of each of the plurality of plunger support wings of the lowerplunger component. For example, the bottom surface of the at least oneleg portion is in contact with the top surface of each of the pluralityof plunger support wings.

Accordingly, an example method for operating an aerosol collectiondevice is provided in accordance with examples of the presentdisclosure. The example method may comprise exerting a rotational forceon an upper plunger component, causing the upper plunger component totranslate from a first configuration to a second configuration. In someembodiments, the example method further comprises exerting a verticalforce on a top surface of the upper plunger subsequent to exerting therotational force, details of which are described in connection with atleast FIG. 25 to FIG. 29B.

FIG. 25 illustrates an example isolated view showing an example tubecomponent 2503 and an example upper plunger component 2501 in accordancewith examples of the present disclosure. In particular, FIG. 25illustrates an example structural relationship between the example tubecomponent 2503 and the example upper plunger component 2501 inaccordance with examples of the present disclosure.

In the example shown in FIG. 25, the top portion of the pipe element2505 of the tube component 2503 is positioned within the central annulusportion 2507 of the upper plunger component 2501.

In an example assembled aerosol collection device, when a verticalforced is exerted on the top surface of the upper plunger component2501, at least a portion of the vent bluff annulus element 2513 of thetube component 2503 enters into gap 2511 between the central annulusportion 2507 of the upper plunger component 2501 and the intermedialannulus portion 2509 of the upper plunger component 2501. In the exampleshown in FIG. 25, the vent bluff annulus element 2513 comprises at leastone opening 2515.

FIG. 26A, FIG. 26B, and FIG. 26C each illustrates at least a portion ofan example aerosol collection device 2600 in accordance with examples ofthe present disclosure.

In the example shown in FIG. 26A, the example aerosol collection device2600 comprises an upper plunger component 2602 and a tube component2604. Similar to those described above, the upper plunger component 2602comprises a central annulus portion 2606 and an intermedial annulusportion 2608. In the example shown in FIG. 26A, the central annulusportion 2606 is disposed within the intermedial annulus portion 2608,forming a gap between the central annulus portion 2606 and theintermedial annulus portion 2608.

In some embodiments, the tube component 2604 comprises a vent bluffannulus element 2605. In some embodiments, at least a portion of thecentral annulus portion 2606 of the upper plunger component 2602 ispositioned within and in contact with the vent bluff annulus element2605 of the tube component 2604.

In some embodiments, the upper plunger component 2602 comprises aplunger head element 2610 defining a central bore 2612. In someembodiments, the tube component 2604 comprises a pipe element 2614 atleast partially positioned within the central annulus portion 2606 andconnected to the central bore 2612, forming a portion of a flow channelfor receiving sample in the aerosol collection device 2600.

For example, the sample may enter the aerosol collection device 2600(from a sample transfer adapter and) through the central bore 2612, maytravel through the pipe element 2614, may travel downwards pass thevalve component 2616 and arrive within the valve support annulus element2618. The dashed arrow 2620 in FIG. 26A indicates an example flowdirection of a sample in the flow channel. For example, the flow channelmay comprise portions that are defined by at least the central bore2612, the pipe element 2614 (including the gap between the valvecomponent 2616 and the inner surface of the pipe element 2614) and thevalve support annulus element 2618. In such an example, the sample maytravel through the central bore 2612, the pipe element 2614 (includingthrough the gap between the valve component 2616 and the inner surfaceof the pipe element 2614) and arrive within the valve support annuluselement 2618. In some embodiments, the sample may interact with thebuffer solution in the filter component 2622. For example, as the userblows air in the sample transfer adapter, the air travel into the buffersolution through the flow channel and forms one or more bubbles.

In some embodiments, the sample may be discharged from the aerosolcollection device 2600 through a vent channel. The vent channel maycomprise portions that are defined by at least the space between theouter surface of the tube component 2604 and the lower plunger component2630 and the gap between the central annulus portion 2606 and theintermedial annulus portion 2608. For example, the sample (for example,air) may travel from the filter component 2622 upwards along the gapbetween the outer surface of the tube component 2604 and the lowerplunger component 2630, along the gap between the central annulusportion 2606 and the intermedial annulus portion 2608, and out of theaerosol collection device through one or more openings/ports on theplunger head element 2610. The dashed arrow 2624 in FIG. 26A indicatesan example vent direction of the sample in the vent channel.

For example, when a user provides a sample to the aerosol collectiondevice 2600 by coughing or blowing air into the aerosol collectiondevice 2600 through a sample transfer adapter connected to the centralbore 2612, the sample travels through the aerosol collection device 2600by flowing in the flow channel that guides the air to the filtercomponent 2622, and then be discharged from the aerosol collectiondevice 2600 through the vent channel.

FIG. 26B and FIG. 26C each illustrates a zoomed view of at least aportion of the aerosol collection device 2600. In the examples shown inFIG. 26B and FIG. 26C, there is a gap between the top surface of thevent bluff annulus element 2605 and a bottom surface of the intermedialannulus portion 2608, and the gap is part of the vent channel thatenables the sample to be discharged from the aerosol collection device2600. Further, as shown in FIG. 26C, a sealing ridge 2631 may bedisposed on an inner surface of the intermedial annulus portion 2608. Insome embodiments, the sealing ridge 2631 may be in a shape similar to aring shape. In some embodiments, the sealing ridge 2631 may be in othershapes. When a vertically downward force is exerted on the upper plungercomponent, the sealing ridge 2631 is configured to seal the ventchannel, details of which are described herein.

FIG. 27A and FIG. 27B illustrate example views of an example upperplunger component 2700 in connection with the flow channel and the ventchannel.

As described above, a sample may enter an aerosol collection devicethrough the opening 2701 of the central bore 2703 of the plunger headelement 2705. The sample passes through a tube element 2709, which formspart of the flow channel, the flow direction of which is shown by thedashed arrow 2711 in FIG. 27B.

As described above, the central annulus portion 2715 and the intermedialannulus portion 2713 define a portion of a vent channel for discharginga sample. For example, at least a portion of the gap between the centralannulus portion 2715 and the intermedial annulus portion 2713 of theplunger body element 2707 defines at least a part of the vent channel.Subsequently, the sample travels through the aperture 2717 of theplunger head element 2705 and exits the aerosol collection devicethrough the opening 2719. As described above, in some embodiments, afilter 2721 may be disposed between the plunger head element 2705 andthe plunger body element 2707. In FIG. 27B, the dashed arrow 2723illustrates the vent direction of the sample in the vent channel.

FIG. 28 illustrates an example view of at least a portion of an exampletube component and a portion of an example upper plunger component inaccordance with examples of the present disclosure. In particular, FIG.28 illustrates the structural relationship between the example tubecomponent and the example upper plunger component as a verticallydownward force is exerted on the top surface of the example upperplunger component, which is subsequent to a rotational force beingexerted on the upper plunger component in accordance with thosedescribed above.

In the example shown in FIG. 28, the central annulus portion 2802 andthe intermedial annulus portion 2804 may travel vertically downwards,and the vent bluff annulus element 2806 may enter the gap between thecentral annulus portion 2802 and the intermedial annulus portion 2804.As the vent bluff annulus element 2806 enters the gap between thecentral annulus portion 2802 and the intermedial annulus portion 2804,the sealing ridge 2808 on the inner surface of the intermedial annulusportion 2804 may be in contact with the outer surface of the vent bluffannulus element 2806. When the sealing ridge 2808 moves passes theopening 2810 on the vent bluff annulus element 2806, the sealing ridge2808 blocks and seals the vent channel so that the sample may no longerexit through the vent channel. In some embodiments, the central annulusportion 2802 is longer than the intermedial annulus portion 2804 so thatthe central annulus portion 2802 pushes air between the vent bluffannulus element 2806 and the pipe element 2820 out through the opening2810 as the central annulus portion 2802 and the intermedial annulusportion 2804 travel vertically downwards.

FIG. 29A and FIG. 29B each illustrates an example cross-sectional viewof at least a portion of an example aerosol collection device 2900 inaccordance with examples of the present disclosure

In the example shown in FIG. 29A and FIG. 29B, the example aerosolcollection device 2900 comprises at least a lower plunger component2901. As shown, the bottom surface of the lower plunger component 2901is in contact with a filter component 2903.

In some embodiments, the example aerosol collection device 2900comprises an upper plunger component 2905 in contact with a top surfaceof the lower plunger component 2901 (e.g. in a second configuration asthose described above). As such, in response receiving a vertical forceexerted on a top surface of the upper plunger component 2905, the upperplunger component 2905 is configured to transfer the vertical force tothe lower plunger component 2901 and cause a vertical movement of thelower plunger component 2901. In some embodiments, the vertical movementof the lower plunger component 2901 causes the filter component 2903 tobe squeezed so that buffer solution that includes collected aerosols isdischarged from the filter component 2903.

Further, in some embodiments, the upper plunger component 2905 isconfigured to transfer the vertical force to the tube component 2907 asat least a top portion of the pipe element 2911 of the tube component2907 is housed within the central annulus portion 2913 of the upperplunger component 2905. The vertical force causes the tube component2907 to travel downwards, causing the valve component 2909 to be incontact with the middle portion of the tube component 2907, therebysealing the flow channel. Further, as described above in connection withat least FIG. 28, the vertical force causes the sealing ridge 2915 totravel downward along the vent bluff annulus element 2917 of the tubecomponent 2907, thereby sealing the vent channel.

As such, in some embodiments, subsequent to a vertically downward forceis applied on the top surface of the upper plunger component 2905 whenit is in the second configuration, both the flow channel and the ventchannel are sealed, building up inner pressure for extracting the buffersolution from the aerosol collection device 2900. In some embodiments,during operation, the cap element is secured back to an example aerosolcollection device (for example, secured on top of the upper plungercomponent 2905) after a user provide sample to the aerosol collectiondevice. In such embodiments, in order to apply the vertically downwardforce on the top surface of the upper plunger component 2905, a usermust remove the cap element from the example aerosol collection device(for example, from the upper plunger component 2905) so that thevertically downward force can be applied on the upper plunger component.

Referring now to FIG. 30, a portion of an example cross-sectional viewof the example aerosol collection device 3020 is illustrated.

In various embodiments, an exemplary aerosol collection device 3020 maycomprise a device body 3026 that comprises an upper plunger component3007, where one or more of a sample transfer adapter (e.g., a maskcomponent, a sampling tunnel, a sampling hood, and/or the like) may beremovably secured to the upper plunger component 3007. In the exampleshown in FIG. 30, the exemplary aerosol collection device 3020 maycomprise a upper plunger component 3007 having a central bore 3011embodied as an orifice extending through a generally central portion ofthe upper plunger component 3007. In some embodiments, the central bore3011 may allow for the sample to pass into the example aerosolcollection device 3020 through the flow channel. In various embodiments,the central bore 3011 may be configured to receive at least a portion ofa sample transfer adapter (e.g., a mask component, a sampling tunnel, asampling hood, and/or the like) so as to at least partially secure thesample transfer adapter relative to the device body 3026 of the aerosolcollection device 3020. For example, in some embodiments, a samplingchannel of an exemplary sample transfer adapter may be mechanicallysecured within the central bore 3011 of the exemplary upper plungercomponent 3007 via various means, as described herein, such that an airflow path extending from a sample outlet of the sampling channel to thecentral bore 3011 of the aerosol collection device 3020, as describedherein, may remain at least substantially unobstructed. For example, auser may exhale into the sample transfer adapter (e.g., a mask componentand the sample (e.g. breath) may pass through both the sample transferadapter (e.g., through the sample outlet of the sampling channel) andthe central bore 3011 of the flow channel.

In various embodiments, the example aerosol collection device 3020 maybe configured such a sample received by the upper plunger component 3007may flow through central bore 3011 to a central passageway 3017A and3017B of device body 3026 as part of the flow channel. As described infurther detail herein, in some embodiments, central passageway 3017A and3017B of device body 3026 may comprise a tubular channel extending alongan at least substantially central axis of the device body 3026 thatallows air to pass therethrough. For example, in various embodiments,central passageway 3017A and 3017B may define an air flow path thatextends between the upper plunger component 3007 and a bottom portion ofthe aerosol collection device 3020 (e.g., a valve support annuluselement) such that a sample of air received by the device body 3026 viathe central bore 3011 may be directed to the bottom portion of theaerosol collection device 3020 (e.g., toward a bottom surface of theinterior portion of the device body 3026). In various embodiments, abottom portion of the aerosol collection device 3020 (for example,within the valve support annulus element) may be embodied as abreathalyzer mixing chamber.

For example, in various embodiments, the mixing chamber of an exemplaryaerosol collection device 3020 may comprise at least a portion of theaerosol collection device 3020 components configured to enable thedynamic aerosol capture and/or collected sample extractionfunctionalities of the exemplary aerosol collection device 3020,including at least valve support annulus element 3024, sampledistribution annulus element 3023, filter component 3005, and/or thelike. As described in further detail herein, a filter component 3005configured to receive the air sample and capture at least a portion ofthe aerosols present within the sample may be disposed within the bottomportion (e.g., the mixing chamber) of an aerosol collection device 3020.

In various embodiments, an air sample flowing along central passageway3017B may pass the gap between valve component 3018 and the tubecomponent 3050, may then be passed into a valve support annulus element3024 defining a terminal end of the central passageway 3017B disposedwithin a bottom portion of the device body. In various embodiments, thevalve support annulus element 3024 may comprise a tubular channelarranged in an at least substantially coaxial configuration relative tothe central passageway 3017B along the central axis of the device body3026. The valve support annulus element 3024 may be configured toreceive an air sample flowing along the flow channel at least partiallydefined by the central passageway 3017B. In various embodiments, anexemplary valve support annulus element 3024 may comprise one or moreoutlets distributed annularly about an end portion of the substantiallycylindrical sidewall thereof. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 30 toFIG. 31B, in various embodiments, the one or more outlets of the centralpassageway may comprise a plurality of outlets collectively configuredto dispense a sample received by the valve support annulus element 3024in an at least substantially even annular distribution.

In various embodiments, the aerosol collection device 3020 may beconfigured such that the sample dispensed from the one or more outlets3031 of the valve support annulus element 3024 may be provided to asample distribution annulus element 3023. In various embodiments, asample distribution annulus element 3023 may be configured to furtherfacilitate an at least substantially even annular distribution of theair sample as the sample travels in a radially outward direction towarda filter component 3005 of the aerosol collection device 3020. Asdescribed herein, sample distribution annulus element 3023 mayfacilitate an at least substantially uniform annular distribution of thesample throughout a filter component 3005 positioned annularly aroundthe exterior of the sample distribution annulus element 3023. In variousembodiments, the sample distribution annulus element 3023 may comprise asample distribution annulus element sidewall 3025. The sampledistribution annulus element sidewall 3025 of the sample distributionannulus element 3023 may at least partially define an interior chambercavity embodied as an interior volume within the hollow central portionof the sample distribution annulus element sidewall 3025. In variousembodiments, the sample distribution annulus element 3023 may bepositioned within the device body 3026 such that a central axial of thesample distribution annulus element sidewall 3025 is at leastsubstantially coaxial relative to the valve support annulus element3024, such as, for example, in a centered position about the centralaxis of the device body 3026. In such an exemplary configuration, thesample distribution annulus element sidewall 3025 may be defined atleast in part by an inner diameter that is at least substantially largerthan an outer diameter of the valve support annulus element 3024, suchthat the sample distribution annulus element sidewall 3025 may surroundat least a portion of the valve support annulus element 3024. Forexample, the aerosol collection device 3020 may be configured such thatan inner surface of the sample distribution annulus element sidewall3025 is separated from the exterior surface of the valve support annuluselement 3024 by a gap defined in the radial direction relative to thecentral axis of the two coaxial components. For example, in variousembodiments, the radial gap between the sample distribution annuluselement sidewall 3025 and the exterior of the valve support annuluselement 3024 may comprise an at least substantially uniform distancethroughout at least a portion of the length of the sample distributionannulus element sidewall 3025 (e.g., measured in a length directionparallel to the central axis of the sample distribution annulus elementsidewall 3025). As an example, the radial gap between the sampledistribution annulus element sidewall 3025 and the exterior of the valvesupport annulus element 3024 may be defined by an at least substantiallyuniform radial distance throughout at least an annular portion of thesample distribution annulus element sidewall 3025 (e.g., measured in anannular about the central axis of the sample distribution annuluselement sidewall 3025).

In various embodiments, the radial gap between the sample distributionannulus element sidewall 3025 and the exterior of the valve supportannulus element 3024 may define an open annulus 3019 that extendsannularly around the entirety of the interior surface of the sampledistribution annulus element sidewall 3025. In various embodiments, theopen annulus 3019 may be fluidly connected to the one or more outlets3031 of the valve support annulus element 3024 such that the air sampledispensed from the one or more outlets 3031 may be distributedthroughout the open annulus 3019. For example, the open annulus 3019 maydefine at least a portion of the interior chamber cavity of the sampledistribution annulus element 3023. In such an exemplary configuration,an air sample, upon being dispensed from the one or more outlets 3031,may initially be retained within the interior chamber cavity of thesample distribution annulus element 3023.

In various embodiments, an aerosol collection device 3020 may compriseone or more filter components configured to capture at least a portionof the aerosols present within a sample received by the aerosolcollection device 3020. For example, in various embodiments, the filtercomponent may comprise an at least substantially porous material suchthat a sample comprising one or more aerosols may be received by thefilter component and retrained by the filter component. In someembodiments, the one or more aerosols may travel along at least aportion of the filter component, as described herein. In variousembodiments, the aerosol collection device 3020 may be configured suchthat a cylindrical filter component 3005 may be positioned at leastsubstantially adjacent the outer surface of the sample distributionannulus element sidewall 3025. For example, at least a portion of theinterior surface of the cylindrical filter component 3005 may define areceiving face that may be positioned against the outer surface of thesample distribution annulus element sidewall 3025 such that the filtercomponent 3005 is physically engaged with the sample distributionannulus element sidewall 3025.

Further, in various embodiments, as shown in the specific exemplaryaerosol collection device illustrated in FIG. 31B, an aerosol collectiondevice 3020 (e.g., a device body 3026) may comprise a filter supportbody element 3127 embodied as a material recess in which at least aportion of a cylindrical filter component 3005 may be disposed. Forexample, a filter support body element 3127 may be arranged immediatelyadjacent the outer surface of the sample distribution annulus elementsidewall 3025 that extends around at least a portion of the perimeter ofthe sample distribution annulus element sidewall 3025. The filtersupport body element 3127 may be configured to receive at least aportion of a cylindrical filter component 3005 and further at leastpartially secure the filter component 3005 relative to the sampledistribution annulus element 3023 such that that the filter component3005 is disposed at least substantially adjacent the outer surface ofthe sample distribution annulus element sidewall 3025.

As described herein, a sample distribution annulus element 3023 of anexemplary aerosol collection device 3020 may be configured to facilitatean at least substantially even annular distribution of the air sample toa filter component 3005 positioned at least substantially adjacentthereto. As described herein, in various embodiments, the filtercomponent 3005 may comprise a wetted configuration, where the filtercomponent 3005 may absorb at least part of the buffer solution releasedfrom one or more capsule components as described in detail herein. Insome embodiments, a volume of buffer solution is disposed throughout aninterior portion of the filter component 3005 (for example, a side ofthe filter component 3005 that is close to the sample distributionannulus element) and/or an external portion of the filter component 3005(for example, a side of the filter component 3005 that is opposite tothe interior portion and close to the vent channel).

In the example shown in FIG. 31A and FIG. 31B, the sample distributionannulus element sidewall 3025 may comprise a plurality of holes 3030.For example, after an user provides a sample to the example aerosolcollection device 3020 (for example, by blowing an exhale breath) intothe example aerosol collection device 3020, the sample (for example, theexhale breath) may form one or more bubbles in the buffer solution (forexample, as the sample flows through the one or more outlets 3031). Insome embodiments, upon receiving a sample from an adjacent hole of theplurality of holes 3030, the filter component 3005 may be configuredsuch that a bubble forms within and/or travels to the volume of solutiontherein and captures the sample (including, for example, one or moreaerosols present in the sample). For example, after an user provides asample to the example aerosol collection device 3020 (for example, byblowing an exhale breath) into the example aerosol collection device3020, the sample (for example, the exhale breath) may flow through theone or more outlets 3031 of the valve support annulus element 3024 andenter into the open annulus 3019. The sample may further flow throughthe plurality of holes 3030 of the sample distribution annulus elementsidewall 3025, forming one or more bubbles.

In some embodiments, the one or more aerosols within the sample may bedisposed within the bubbles that engage with the solution in the filtercomponent 3005. For example, the filter component 3005 may be configuredto allow an air bubble therein to flow (e.g., rise) along a verticaldirection through an interior portion of the body of the filtercomponent 3005, while also being configured to capture one or moreaerosols present within the air bubble in the filter component. In someembodiments, the filter component 3005 may break air bubbles thatexceeds a size limit, thereby reducing the possibility that aerosoldroplets can pass through the filter component 3005. In someembodiments, the filter component 3005 may be configured to increase asurface-to-volume ratio of the air bubbles disposed therein.Accordingly, in such an exemplary circumstance, the filter component3005 may be configured to increase the mass transfer rate associatedwith the aerosol present within the air bubble such that the aerosol maybe separated from the air bubble and captured within the volume ofliquid present within the filter component. As described herein, thebuffer solution distributed throughout the filter component 3005 maycause the captured aerosol to be at least substantially retained into asample liquid that includes at least a portion of the biologicalcharacteristics of the aerosol as originally received.

In various embodiments, the sample distribution annulus element 3023 maycomprise one or more sample distribution elements configured tofacilitate an at least substantially uniform annular distribution of thesample throughout filter component 3005. For example, an exemplarysample distribution annulus element may comprise one or more holes 3030extending through a sample distribution annulus element sidewall 3025(e.g., between the inner surface and the outer surface of sampledistribution annulus element sidewall 3025) so as to fluidly connect theopen annulus 3019 to the filter component 3005. More specifically, theone or more holes 3030 extending through the sample distribution annuluselement sidewall 3025 may provide a fluid connection between the openannulus 3019 and the filter component 3005 such that at least a portionof a sample present within the open annulus 3019 may flow through anorifice within the sample distribution annulus element sidewall 3025 andengage a portion of the receiving face of the filter component 3005positioned directly adjacent the orifice. As an example, in variousembodiments, the one or more holes 3030 may provide the only fluidconnection between the sample distribution annulus element 3023 and thefilter component 3005 adjacent thereto such that at least substantiallyall of the sample provided to the sample distribution annulus element3023 (e.g., the sample received within the open annulus 3019) may bedispensed from the sample distribution annulus element 3023 anddelivered to the filter component 3005 via the one or more holes 3030.

As illustrated in FIG. 30 to FIG. 31B, in various embodiments, the oneor more orifices of an exemplary sample distribution annulus element3023 may comprise a plurality of orifices embodied as a plurality ofholes 3030 distributed throughout the sample distribution annuluselement sidewall 3025. As a nonlimiting example, in various embodiments,the plurality of holes 3030 may comprise at least substantially between8 and 40 holes (e.g., between 16 and 24 holes) distributed throughoutthe sample distribution annulus element sidewall 3025.

In various embodiments, one or more of the holes of the plurality ofholes 3030 may embody a physical configuration that is either the sameas or different from a physical configuration of one or more of theother holes of the plurality of holes 3030. For example, the physicalconfiguration of a hole as described herein may be defined at least inpart by a surface area, a shape, an angular direction at which the holeextends through the thickness of the sample distribution annulus elementsidewall 3025 (e.g., in a linear direction perpendicular to a centralaxis of the device body 3026 and/or one that defines an angle away fromthe horizontal plane, and/or the like). In various embodiments, asurface area of one or more holes of the plurality of holes 3030 may beconfigured so as to enable a specific mass flow rate through the sampledistribution annulus element sidewall 3025. For example, in variousembodiments, the cumulative surface area of each of the plurality ofholes 3030 distributed about the sample distribution annulus elementsidewall 3025 may comprise at least substantially between 20% and 100%(e.g., between 50% and 100%) of the total surface area of an aerosolcollection device 3020 sample inlet (e.g. central bore 3011). Further,as an example, in various embodiments the cumulative surface area ofeach of the plurality of holes 3030 distributed about the sampledistribution annulus element sidewall 3025 may be at least substantiallyequal to a surface area of the central bore 3011 of exemplary aerosolcollection device 3020. In various embodiments, the cumulative surfacearea of one or more holes of the plurality of holes 3030 may beconfigured so as to enable a specific pressure to drop over theexemplary sample distribution annulus element 3023. In variousembodiments, one or more of the holes of the plurality of holes 3030 maycomprise a cross-sectional area that is uniform throughout the thicknessof the sample distribution annulus element sidewall 3025 (e.g., betweenan inner surface and an outer surface of the sample distribution annuluselement sidewall 3025). Further, in various embodiments, one or more ofthe holes of the plurality of holes 3030 may comprise a cross-sectionalarea that is variable at one or more locations along the thickness ofthe sample distribution annulus element sidewall 3025.

Further, in various embodiments, one or more of the holes of theplurality of holes 3030 may comprise a cross-sectional area that isuniform throughout the thickness of the sample distribution annuluselement sidewall 3025 (e.g., between an inner surface and an outersurface of the sample distribution annulus element sidewall 3025).Further, in various embodiments, one or more of the holes of theplurality of holes 3030 may comprise a cross-sectional area that isvariable at one or more locations along the thickness of the sampledistribution annulus element sidewall 3025.

In various embodiments, the sample distribution annulus element sidewall3025 may be defined at least in part by a sidewall length, as measuredin a direction parallel to the central axis of the device body 3026. Forexample, one or more of the plurality of holes 3030 may be positionedalong the length of the sample distribution annulus element sidewall3025 at a location defined at least in part by a perpendicular distancebetween the respective hole and a top surface of the filter component3005 adjacent thereto. For example, the position of a hole of theplurality of holes 3030 relative to the length of the sampledistribution annulus element sidewall 3025 may define the verticaldistance along which a sample dispensed through the hole and into theadjacent filter component 3005 must travel within the body of the filtercomponent in order to reach an upper boundary of the filter component.In various embodiments, one or more of the plurality of holes 3030disposed within the sample distribution annulus element sidewall 3025may be positioned along the sample distribution annulus element sidewall3025 such that the distance between the one or more holes and the topsurface of the sample distribution annulus element sidewall 3025, asmeasured perpendicularly, may be at least substantially between 50% and100% (e.g., between 50% and 75%) of the total the length of the sampledistribution annulus element sidewall 3025. That is, for example, invarious embodiments, one or more of the plurality of holes 3030 disposedwithin the sample distribution annulus element sidewall 3025 may bepositioned about a lower half of the sample distribution annulus elementsidewall 3025 (e.g., a half of the sample distribution annulus elementsidewall 3025, as measured vertically along the length of the sampledistribution annulus element sidewall 3025, positioned relativelyproximate the bottom surface of the device body 3026).

In various embodiments, the position of one or more of the plurality ofholes relative to the total length of the sample distribution annuluselement sidewall 3025 and/or the filter component 3005 may be either thesame as or different from the position of one or more of the other holesof the plurality of holes 3030.

As described in further detail herein, in some embodiments, aerosols maybe captured in the filter component 3005, and air may be removed fromthe aerosols in the form of bubbles through the filter component 3005.The air separated from the aerosols may then enter into a breathalyzerchamber 3021. Referring to the example aerosol collection device 3020shown in FIG. 30, the breathalyzer chamber 3021 may be positioned abovethe filter component 3005, thus enabling the air to escape from thefilter component 3005 and into the breathalyzer chamber 3021.

As further described herein, In some embodiments, an aerosol-removedvolume of air within the breathalyzer chamber 3021 may further be passedthrough the one or more vent channels 3027 configured to dispense atleast a portion of a volume of air within the aerosol collection device3020 into an ambient environment. For example, the one or more ventchannels 3027 may comprise one or more orifices positioned about anexterior breathalyzer surface of the upper plunger component 3007 andmay be configured to provide fluid communication between thebreathalyzer chamber 3021 and the ambient environment such that anaerosol-removed volume of air within the breathalyzer chamber 3021 maybe dispensed into the ambient environment via the one or more orificesin the upper plunger component 3007.

In various embodiments, an exemplary aerosol collection device maycomprise a device body 3026 comprising an aerosol collection devicehousing configured to store various components of an exemplary aerosolcollection device 3020 within an interior portion of the housing. Asdescribed herein, an aerosol collection device 3020 may be configured toreceive an air sample (e.g., from a sample transfer adapter) through aupper plunger component 3007 and deliver the received sample along anair flow path or flow channel throughout various components disposedwithin the housing of the device body 3026, such as, for example, filtercomponent 3005, sample distribution annulus element 3023, and/or thelike), in order to capture in the filter component 3005 at least aportion of aerosols present within the sample as received. In variousembodiments, the aerosol collection device 3020 may be configured toreceive a single air sample continuously provided to the aerosolcollection device 3020 over a length of time or a plurality of airsamples provided serially to the aerosol collection device 3020 overtime. In such an exemplary circumstance, the air sample(s) provided tothe aerosol collection device 3020 over time may repeatedly pass throughthe filter component 3005 housed within the device body 3226, asdescribed herein, such that aerosols captured by the filter component3005 over time may accumulate within the filter component 3005. In suchan exemplary configuration, the accumulated aerosols disposed within thefilter component may affect one or more physical characteristics of thefilter component 3005 and/or a volume of buffer solution present withinthe filter component 3005. For example, in various embodiments, one ormore one or more physical characteristics of the filter component 3005and/or a volume of buffer solution therein, such as, for example,weight, volume, particulate concentration, color, and/or the like maychange over time as the amount of aerosols captured within the wettedfilter component 3005 (e.g., a filter component 3005 that has a volumeof buffer solution disposed therein) increases.

In various embodiments, an exemplary aerosol collection device 3020 maycomprise a means for monitoring one or more characteristics of thewetted filter component 3005 disposed within the device body 3226 overtime without interrupting the operation of the aerosol collection device3220. Referring now to FIG. 32A, a portion of an example perspectivecross-sectional view of an example aerosol collection device 3220 isillustrated. As illustrated, various components of the exemplary aerosolcollection device 3220 are disposed within the housing of the devicebody 3226, such as, for example, a central passageway 3217B, a valvesupport annulus element 3224, a sample distribution annulus element3223, and a filter component 3205 configured according to variousembodiments described herein. As an example, the housing of the devicebody 3226 (for example, a vessel component) may comprise an observationorifice 3240 positioned about at least a portion of an external surfaceof the device body 3226 and extending through a thickness of the devicebody 3226. In various embodiments, an observation orifice 3240 mayfacilitate a line of sight between a vantage point within an ambientenvironment external to the device body 3226 and one or more aerosolcollection device 3220 components housed within the device body 3226.For example, an observation orifice 3240 may be provided at a surfacethat is positioned at least substantially adjacent the one or moreaerosol collection device 3220 components within the device body 3226for which visibility from an external vantage point is desired. As anexample, the exemplary aerosol collection device 3220 illustrated inFIG. 32A and FIG. 32B comprises an observation orifice 3240 configuredto provide a line of sight from a remote vantage point within an ambientenvironment to at least a portion of the filter component 3205 arrangedadjacent the observation orifice 3240. For example, an exemplaryobservation orifice 3240 may embody a viewing window configured suchthat a user may see at least a portion of a filter component 3205disposed within the housing of the device body 3226 without requiringdisassembly and/or interruption of the operation of the aerosolcollection device 3220. In various embodiments, the observation orifice3240 may comprise at least one transparent element (e.g., transparentglass, transparent plastic, and/or the like) configured to cover thesurface area of the observation orifice 3240 so facilitate visibility ofthe filter component 3205 while preventing unwarranted air leakageand/or contamination of the aerosol collection device 3220 through theobservation orifice 3240. Further, in various embodiments, the at leastone transparent element of an observation orifice 3240 may be configuredto visually magnify at least a portion of the one or more internalbreathalyzer components (e.g., filter component 3205) at which theobservation orifice 3240 is directed.

As described in further detail herein, the aerosol collection device maybe configured such that one or more samples of air containing aplurality of aerosols may pass through a wetted filter component 3205configured to capture at least a portion of the aerosols within thesamples passing therethrough, such that a captured aerosol becomesembedded within the thickness of the filter component 3205. Over time, aplurality of captured aerosols may accumulate within the thickness ofthe filter component 3205 such that the aerosols may react with thebuffer solution dispersed throughout the wetted filter component 3205.In various embodiments, the accumulated plurality of aerosols capturedwithin the filter component 3205 thickness may cause the physicalappearance of the filter component 3205 to at least partially change dueat least in part to, as examples, the presence or an increasedconcentration of aerosols present within the filter component 3205, achemical reaction between one or more of the accumulated plurality ofaerosols and the buffer solution, and/or the like. For example, in suchan exemplary circumstance, one or more aspects of the physicalappearance of the filter component 3205, such as, for example, color,transparency, texture, uniformity, and/or the like, may undergo anoticeable change that may be visible to a user observing the filtercomponent through an observation orifice 3240.

In various embodiments, an exemplary observation orifice may compriseany applicable shape or form configured to make visible to a user one ormore corresponding breathalyzer components within the device body 3226.Further, in various embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 32C, anexemplary aerosol collection device 3220 may comprise a plurality ofobservation orifices 3240A, 3240B. For example, in various embodiments,each of the plurality of observation orifices 3240A, 3240B may beconfigured to provide a distinct line of sight to a respectivebreathalyzer component within the housing/vessel component of the devicebody 3226 (e.g., a filter component 3205 and a breathalyzer chamber,respectively). Further, in various embodiments, each of the plurality ofobservation orifices 3240A, 3240B may be configured to provide distinctline of sight to a respective portion of the same breathalyzer componentwithin the housing/vessel component of the device body 3226 (e.g., afirst portion of filter component 3205 and a second portion of filtercomponent 3205, respectively). For example, as shown in FIG. 32C, afirst observation orifice 3240A may provide a line of sight from outsidethe housing/vessel component/device body of the aerosol collectiondevice 3220 to a first portion of filter component 3205, while a secondobservation orifice 3240B may provide a distinct line of sight fromoutside the housing/vessel component of the aerosol collection device3220 to a second portion of filter component 3205.

In various embodiments, subsequent to a sample being collected by theaerosol collection device 3220, the aerosol collection device 3220 maybe configured to facilitate an extraction operation, and at least aportion of a sample liquid may be extracted from the device body 3226.For example, as described in further detail herein, the sample liquidmay be extracted from the aerosol collection device 3220 by an examplesample extraction device, such as, but is not limited to, an extractioncartridge. In various embodiments, an exemplary extraction cartridge maybe removably attached to a portion of the device body or vesselcomponent (e.g., an extraction opening disposed about a bottom portionof device body 3226) such that the extraction cartridge may be placed influid communication with a bottom portion of the interior of the devicebody 3226. The sample liquid may be transmitted from the device body3226 to the extraction cartridge configured to store the extractedvolume of sample liquid therein for subsequent analysis and/orexperimentation operations.

Referring now to FIG. 33A to FIG. 33B, a portion of example perspectiveviews of the example aerosol collection device 3320 is illustrated.

In various embodiments, an exemplary aerosol collection device 3320 maycomprise a sample liquid extraction outlet 27 positioned at a centralportion of a bottom surface of the device body 3326. For example, invarious embodiments, the sample liquid extraction outlet 27 may comprisea tubular channel arranged in an at least substantially coaxialconfiguration relative to the central axis of the device body 3326.Further, in various embodiments, at least a portion of the sample liquidextraction outlet 27 may protrude from the bottom surface of the devicebody 3326 in an outward direction away from the device body. In variousembodiments, the sample liquid extraction outlet 27 may comprise aninternal volume of at least substantially between 0.05 mL and 0.3 mL(e.g., between 0.1 mL and 0.2 mL). In various embodiments, the devicebody 3326 of an exemplary aerosol collection device 3320 may beconfigured to accommodate a sample liquid volume of at leastsubstantially between 2 mL and 10 mL (e.g., between 3 mL and 4 mL).

As illustrated, in various embodiments, the aerosol collection device3320 may further comprise a lock component 28 configured to bedetachably secured relative to the sample liquid extraction outlet 27.For example, the lock component 28 may be configured to at leastsubstantially plug the tubular channel of the sample liquid extractionoutlet 27 so as to prevent a sample liquid from flowing through thesample liquid extraction outlet 27 when the lock component 28 isattached thereto. As an example, the lock component 28 may comprise aluer lock. In some embodiments, lock component 28 may be attached to thesample liquid extraction outlet 27 via various means, including but notlimited to, mechanical means (for example, lock component 28 may bescrewed onto the sample liquid extraction outlet 27 via threads providedabout an exterior surface of the sample liquid extraction outlet 27).

As described herein, the sample liquid extraction outlet 27 may embody aconduit element configured to facilitate the delivery of a sample liquiddisposed within an internal portion of the device body 3326 to anexemplary extraction cartridge fluidly and/or mechanically connectedthereto. Accordingly, in various embodiments, the aerosol collectiondevice 3320 may comprise a seal element (e.g., a groove component, asdescribed herein), provided along a portion of the bottom surface of theinterior portion of the device body 3326 so as to fluidly isolate theinterior portion of the device body from the sample liquid extractionoutlet 27. Such an exemplary configuration may prevent a sample liquidcompressed from the filter component, as described herein, and providedwithin the bottom portion of the device body 3326 from passing throughthe sample liquid extraction outlet 27 without first puncturing the sealelement to open an area through which the sample liquid may flow.

Referring now to FIG. 34A to FIG. 34B, example perspective andcross-sectional views of the example extraction cartridge 10 areillustrated.

In various embodiments, an exemplary extraction cartridge 10 maycomprise a cartridge body 13 that defines at least a portion of theexterior of the extraction cartridge. As illustrated, in variousembodiments, a cartridge body 13 may comprise a substantiallycylindrical exterior sidewall and an interior body chamber 14 defined bythe hollow interior portion of the cylindrical sidewall. For example,interior body chamber 14 of the cartridge body 13 may comprise acylindrical chamber having an outer perimeter defined at least in partby the interior surface of the cylindrical sidewall of the cartridgebody 13. In various embodiments, the cartridge body 13 may be configuredto receive a volume of fluid (e.g., sample liquid extracted from anaerosol collection device) within the interior body chamber 14 viasample liquid inlet 11, as described in further detail herein.

In various embodiments, an exemplary extraction cartridge 10 maycomprise an extraction plunger 15 disposed within the interior bodychamber 14 of the cartridge body 13. In various embodiments, extractionplunger 15 may embody a piston component having have a range of motionwithin the interior body chamber 14 that is defined at least in part bythe interior surface of the cylindrical sidewall of the cartridge body13. For example, an outer perimeter of the face of the extractionplunger 15 may be physically engaged with the interior surface of thecylindrical sidewall of the cartridge body 13 so as to define anair-tight seal between the face of the extraction plunger 15 and thecylindrical sidewall of the cartridge body. For example, in such anexemplary circumstance a local pressure and volume may be defined withinan active portion of the interior body chamber 14 extending between thesample liquid inlet 11 and the face of the extraction plunger 15. Invarious embodiments, the extraction cartridge 10 may be configured suchthat as the extraction plunger 15 moves along the interior body chamber14 in an axial direction (e.g., along a central axis of the cylindricalsidewall of the cartridge body 13) one or more local conditions (e.g., alocal pressure, a volumetric capacity, and/or the like) within theactive portion of the interior body chamber 14 (e.g., defined betweenthe between the sample liquid inlet 11 and the face of the extractionplunger 15) may change based at least in part on the position of theextraction plunger 15 within the interior body chamber 14. As anexample, in various embodiments, an exemplary extraction cartridge 10may embody a syringe component.

In various embodiments, the extraction cartridge 10 may comprise acartridge body end cap 17 removably secured to a distal end of thecylindrical cartridge body 13. For example, the cartridge body end cap17 may be configured to at least partially restrict the range of motionof the extraction plunger 15 such that the extraction plunger 15 isretained within the interior body chamber 14 of the cartridge body 13.Further, in various embodiments, the cartridge body end cap 17 maycomprise a guide rod aperture 18 extending therethrough in a coaxialdirection relative to the central axis of the interior body chamber 14.For example, in various embodiments, an exemplary extraction cartridge10 may comprise a guide rod attached on one end to the extractionplunger 15 and extending, at the other end, through guide rod aperture18. In such an exemplary circumstance, a user may at least partiallycontrol the positioning of the extraction plunger 15 within the interiorbody chamber 14 by pushing and/or pulling the guide rod into and/or outof guide rod aperture 18. As further illustrated in FIG. 34A, thecartridge body may comprise an observation orifice 16 extending throughthe cylindrical sidewall of the cartridge body 13 so as to define a lineof sight to a distal portion of the interior body chamber 14. Forexample, in various embodiments, the observation orifice 16 may beconfigured to define a line of sight to the extraction plunger 15 suchthat a user may ascertain the position of the extraction plunger withinthe interior body chamber 14.

Referring now to FIG. 35 to FIG. 36, a portion of example perspectivecross-sectional views of an example extraction cartridge 10 and anexample aerosol collection device 20 are illustrated.

As described herein, the sample liquid inlet 11 may embody a conduitelement 12 through which a volume of sample liquid extracted from devicebody 26 may be received by the extraction cartridge 10 and deliveredinto the interior body chamber 14. As illustrated, the sample liquidinlet 11 may comprise one or more attachment means for mechanicallyattaching the sample liquid inlet 11 to the sample liquid extractionoutlet 27 of device body 26, as described herein, In such an exemplaryconfiguration, the extraction cartridge 10 may be mechanically securedand fluidly connected to the device body 26 of the aerosol collectiondevice 20.

In various embodiments, the extraction cartridge 10 may comprise one ormore puncturing elements configured to at least partially extend intothe sample liquid extraction outlet 27 of the device body 26 andpuncture the seal element extending over the sample liquid extractionoutlet 27 so as to produce an opening through which the sample liquiddisposed within the device body 26 may flow to the sample liquidextraction outlet 27.

As described herein, an exemplary extraction cartridge 10 may embody asyringe component, such that the extraction cartridge 10 is configuredto attach to a sample liquid extraction outlet 27 of an aerosolcollection device 20 and extract a volume of sample liquid disposedwithin the device body 26 by pulling the extraction plunger 15 of theextraction cartridge 10 in a direction away from the sample liquid inlet11 in order to increase the volumetric capacity within the activeportion of the interior body chamber 14 and correspondingly decrease thelocal pressure therein. In such an exemplary configuration, the localpressure within the active portion of the interior body chamber 14 maydrop lower than a corresponding pressure within the device body 26, suchthat a flow of the sample liquid within the device body 26 may beinitiated and the extraction of the entirety of the sample liquid fromthe aerosol collection device 20 may be executed. As described, in anexemplary circumstance where the pressure within the device body 26 ishigher than the local pressure within the active volume of the interiorbody chamber fluidly connected thereto, the volume of sample liquidwithin the device body 26 may be dispensed (e.g., extracted) through thesample liquid extraction outlet 27 of the aerosol collection device 20to the extraction cartridge 10 attached thereto.

In various embodiments, an exemplary extraction cartridge 10 mayindicates when the sample liquid extracted from the aerosol collectiondevice 20 occupies at least substantially the entirety of the activevolume of the interior body chamber 14 such that no further sampleliquid can be extracted by the extraction cartridge 10. For example, anexemplary extraction cartridge 10 may comprise one or more indicatingmeans configured to generate a visual and/or an audio indication, suchas, for example, an LED light indicator, an alarm notification, and/orthe like, to indicate that the extraction cartridge 10 has reached anoperational volumetric capacity. In such an exemplary circumstance, thesample liquid inlet 11 of the exemplary extraction cartridge 10 may bedecoupled from the sample liquid extraction outlet 27 of the aerosolcollection device 20. Further, in various embodiments where theextraction cartridge has received an extracted sample liquid from anaerosol collection device 20, the attachment means described withrespect to the sample liquid inlet 11 may be configured to facilitatethe attachment of a cartridge cap element 19 to the sample liquid inlet11 so as to seal the extracted sample liquid within the interior bodychamber 14 of the extraction cartridge 10. In some embodiments, theextracted sample liquid may comprise biological content that can be usedfor further analysis and downstream diagnostics.

While this specification contains many specific implementation details,these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of anydisclosures or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions offeatures specific to particular embodiments of particular disclosures.Certain features that are described herein in the context of separateembodiments can also be implemented in combination in a singleembodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in thecontext of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multipleembodiments separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover,although features may be described above as acting in certaincombinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more featuresfrom a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from thecombination, and the claimed combination may be directed to asubcombination or variation of a subcombination.

Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings in a particularorder, this should not be understood as requiring that such operationsbe performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, orthat all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirableresults. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processingmay be advantageous. Moreover, the separation of various systemcomponents in the embodiments described above should not be understoodas requiring such separation in all embodiments, and it should beunderstood that the described program components and systems cangenerally be integrated together in a single software product orpackaged into multiple software products.

Thus, particular embodiments of the subject matter have been described.Other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims. In somecases, the actions recited in the claims can be performed in a differentorder and still achieve desirable results. In addition, the processesdepicted in the accompanying figures do not necessarily require theparticular order shown, or sequential order, to achieve desirableresults. In certain implementations, multitasking and parallelprocessing may be advantageous.

It is to be understood that the disclosure is not to be limited to thespecific examples disclosed, and that modifications and other examplesare intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a genericand descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation, unlessdescribed otherwise.

1. An aerosol collection device comprising: a sample transfer adapterconfigured to receive a sample; and a device body connected to thesample transfer adapter, wherein the device body defines a flow channelguiding the sample to a filter component, wherein the filter componentcontains a buffer solution.
 2. The aerosol collection device of claim 1,wherein the device body comprises a vessel component having a sampledistribution annulus element, wherein the buffer solution is containedin at least one of a first side of the filter component adjacent to thesample distribution annulus element or a second side of the filtercomponent opposite to the first side.
 3. The aerosol collection deviceof claim 1, wherein the sample transfer adapter is a sampling tunnel. 4.The aerosol collection device of claim 1, wherein the sample transferadapter is a mask component.
 5. The aerosol collection device of claim 1further comprising an extraction cartridge.
 6. The aerosol collectiondevice of claim 5, wherein the device body comprises a sample liquidextraction outlet, wherein the extraction cartridge comprises one ormore puncturing elements configured to at least partially extend intothe sample liquid extraction outlet.
 7. The aerosol collection device ofclaim 1, wherein the device body comprises: a vessel componentcomprising at least one capsule extraction body element; at least onecapsule component positioned on a top surface of the at least onecapsule extraction body element; and an upper plunger componentpositioned on a top surface of the at least one capsule component. 8.The aerosol collection device of claim 7, wherein the at least onecapsule component stores the buffer solution.
 9. The aerosol collectiondevice of claim 8, wherein each of the at least one capsule componentcomprises a holder element and a cap element, wherein the buffersolution is hermetically sealed in the holder element by the capelement.
 10. The aerosol collection device of claim 9, wherein the atleast one capsule extraction body element comprises a protrusionpositioned on the top surface of the at least one capsule extractionbody element, wherein the cap element is positioned on top of theprotrusion.
 11. The aerosol collection device of claim 10, wherein thevessel component comprises at least two vertical ridge elements disposedon an inner lateral surface of the vessel component, wherein at least aportion of each of the at least one capsule component is positionedbetween the at least two vertical ridge elements.
 12. The aerosolcollection device of claim 11, wherein, in response to receiving avertically downward force exerted on a top surface of the upper plungercomponent, the upper plunger component is configured to transfer thevertically downward force to the at least one capsule component andcausing a vertical movement of the at least one capsule component. 13.The aerosol collection device of claim 12, wherein the vertical movementof the at least one capsule component causes the at least one capsuleextraction body element to break the cap element of each of the at leastone capsule component.
 14. The aerosol collection device of claim 13,wherein, subsequent to the cap element being broken, the buffer solutionflows on the filter component.
 15. The aerosol collection device ofclaim 7, wherein the vessel component further comprises: a sampledistribution annulus element comprising a plurality of holes, and avalve support annulus element disposed within the sample distributionannulus element.
 16. The aerosol collection device of claim 15, whereinthe at least one capsule extraction body element is positioned radiallyoutward from the sample distribution annulus element.
 17. The aerosolcollection device of claim 15 further comprising: a tube componentsecured to the sample distribution annulus element; and a valvecomponent supported by the valve support annulus element.
 18. Theaerosol collection device of claim 16, wherein the filter component isinserted between the sample distribution annulus element and the atleast one capsule extraction body element, wherein the aerosolcollection device further comprises a lower plunger component positionedon a top surface of the filter component.
 19. The aerosol collectiondevice of claim 18, wherein the lower plunger component comprises aplurality of plunger support wings, wherein each of the plurality ofplunger support wings is positioned between two capsule components. 20.The aerosol collection device of claim 19, wherein the upper plungercomponent is configured to translate from a first configuration to asecond configuration by a rotational force, wherein: in the firstconfiguration, a bottom surface of the upper plunger component is incontact with a top surface of each of the at least one capsulecomponent; and in the second configuration, the bottom surface of theupper plunger component is in contact with a top surface of each of theplurality of plunger support wings.